Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Thursday - March 08, 2012
From: Los Angeles, CA
Region: California
Topic: Non-Natives, Plant Identification, Trees
Title: Identification of tree with red feathery leaves
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What is the name of a tree with dark red leaves, feathery, slim trunk; maybe in the pepper family? Jedi?ANSWER:
Our focus and expertise here at the Lady Bird Johnson Wild Flower Center are with plants native to North America. I could find only one native California tree that sounds anything like your description. It is Rhus glabra (Smooth sumac) that has feathery green leaves that turn red in the fall. Your description, however, does sound a bit like the non-native Acer palmaturm (Japanese maple) that grows readily in California. Here are more photographs of the Japanese maple. There is the South American native, Schinus molle (Brazilian or Peruvian peppertree), that has feathery green leaves and red berries. It is on the California Invasive Plant Council's list of invasive plants. If you have photos of the tree (or can take them), there are links to several plant identification forums on our Plant Identification page that accept photos for identification.
From the Image Gallery
More Trees Questions
Spot for communion and tree planting on Long Island
February 20, 2012 - I'm planning to combine my son's communion and a tree planting memorial for his uncle/godfather that passed on Valentine's Day. I'm looking for a venue on Long Island that can combine both on May ...
view the full question and answer
Recently planted Monterey Oaks doing poorly in Jourdanton, TX.
September 02, 2013 - We planted 2 nice size Monterrey oak trees in April .they were doing good with new growth on them. But now I have been noticing the leaves are turning brown around the edges. We water about once a wee...
view the full question and answer
Fertilizing oaks to produce more acorns
March 04, 2009 - What type of fertilizer would I use on oak trees to possibly increase growth and acorn production ? I have some flooded oak timber that is home to migrating ducks but there is little for them to eat.
view the full question and answer
Wilting American Smoke Tree in Texas
April 21, 2013 - I planted a young American smoke tree last fall (mid-November) and it put out a good show of tentative new leaves this spring. Then to keep the tree form I clipped some little shrubby start ups at the...
view the full question and answer
Is a Brandywine Maple messy from Westchester IL
November 06, 2011 - Brandywine Maple: Does this tree produce sap, seeds or flower? As a home owner I can't afford more maintenance with clogged gutters or a sap covered car. Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |