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
Tuesday - April 02, 2013
From: Dripping Springs, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pests, Shrubs, Trees
Title: Bugs eating new growth on Mountain Laurel shrubs from Dripping Springs TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
What is eating the new growth on my mountain laurel shrubs? One plant has red bugs and the other has black (could they be love bugs?). Is there something I can do to preserve the new growth?ANSWER:
One bug (called a "midrid") is the Red Mountain Laurel bug or Lopidea major. The link takes you to a Bug Guide page with pictures of this beastie.
Here is a previous Mr. Smarty Plants answer on that subject; follow whatever links are in that answer.
The only other major pest on Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain laurel) that we could find is the Genista caterpillar. That link goes to the Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension IPM on Genista Caterpillar on Texas Mountain Laurel.
More Trees Questions
Shrub to scrren house from dust from gravel road
July 28, 2013 - HI: We live in the foothills of Dobbins, California (2 hours North of Sacramento, Ca). I live on a gravel dirt road with traffic that goes about 45 miles an hour. When they drive by our house it lo...
view the full question and answer
Will the sea water from Hurricane Ike residually affect Galveston's soil
December 06, 2009 - Most of the trees on Galveston Island died following Hurricane Ike, apparently as a result of the sea water that covered the island.
Will the sea water that soaked the soil have a residual effect on...
view the full question and answer
Seeds or seedlings of Texas madrone (Arbutus xalapensis)
January 03, 2009 - Where can I obtain seeds or seedlings of the "Texas Madrone" tree?
Thank You.
view the full question and answer
Identification of tree or shrub in Massachusetts
May 16, 2013 - Good morning,
We are in Zone 5 and have a tree/shrub I cannot identify in the backyard of our new home. Tall (6')and growing, green stems,and when the stems are broken the branches smell of lemon o...
view the full question and answer
Ornamental grasses under desert willows from Dallas, TX
September 06, 2013 - I am planning on planting 3 desert willows in full sun, below the power lines at the back of my back yard in the White Rock Lake area of Dallas. I would like to plant some ornamental grasses in the be...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |