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.

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Tuesday - July 31, 2012

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Pests, Trees
Title: Demise of Flameleaf Sumac in Austin, TX.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

My Flameleaf Sumac suddenly died. Beetles came out around the trunk when I cut it down. How can I prevent this on the other sumac?

ANSWER:

Flame-leaf Sumac Rhus lanceolata (Prairie flameleaf sumac) is a small deciduous tree with outstanding fall foliage that lives up to the name “flame-leaf”. It is described as a relatively fast growing tree, heat- cold- and drought tolerant, and generally pest and disease free.