Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Tree with stilt roots for Louisiana bog garden

Topic:
Author: Nan Hampton
Date: Thursday - February 07, 2013
From: Denham Springs, LA

QUESTION: Does Louisiana have any native trees with stilt roots? I would like one to go with my cypress and tupelo bog garden. I have several native plants such as spider lilies and blue flag irises, but I'm still missing that one oddball plant to complete it. Do you have any suggestions?

ANSWER:

Avicennia germinans (Black mangrove) does have pneumatophores (stilt roots) and does occur as close to you as Jefferson Parish on Lake Ponchartrain.

Here is more information from the Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce, Florida and an excellent Plant Guide for the species from the National Resources Conservation Services of the USDA.  Since it is a facultative halophyte (tolerates growing in saline water but will grow well in fresh water), you should be able to grow it in your bog garden.

Here are photos of the black mangrove from DiscoverLife.com and Seabean.com.

Another possibility (without stilt roots, however) is Cephalanthus occidentalis (Common buttonbush).  It grows in boggy areas and is rather spectacular looking with its white flower balls and, later, reddish-brown fruits.