Native Plants
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Wednesday - September 05, 2012
From: Wimberley, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Lists, Diseases and Disorders, Trees
Title: Oaks at Wildflower Center from Wimberley TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I know you have numerous Quercus fusiformis examples at the ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. My question is, do you also have Quercus virginiana growing there? Also, is Oak Wilt a disease that has been around for thousands of years, or did it get brought in in recent times?ANSWER:
From our Recommended Species page, there is a Master List of Arboretum Taxa and our Oak Collection, both of which include Quercus fusiformis (Escarpment live oak) and Quercus virginiana (Coastal live oak).
From Austin Tree Specialists, here is a History of Oak Wilt, which should answer your question about where it came from. The answer is apparently that it has been around natively for a very long time, and just wasn't identified until more people came into some of the infected areas. We suggest you read all of Texas Oak Wilt.org for more information.
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