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
Monday - May 27, 2013
From: Knoxville, TN
Region: Southeast
Topic: Edible Plants, Shrubs, Trees, Vines
Title: Fruit crops to grow in Tennessee mountains
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
My property has a lot of rock formations throughout it and has hundreds of cedars where it is not pasture. I am wanting to grow fruit trees and berry bushes but don't know what can grow in this environment. It appears that grass (hay and straw) are growing well. Question, what are the best fruit crops to grow in this type soil. East Tennessee mountains is the location of the property.ANSWER:
Our focus and expertise at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center are with plants native to North America so the recommendations I will suggest are plants native to North America, and specifically, native to Knox County, Tennessee.
Asimina triloba (Pawpaw) Here are more photos and information from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Morus rubra (Red mulberry) Here are more photos and information from Plants for a Future.
Prunus americana (American plum) Here are more photos and information from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Prunus angustifolia (Chickasaw plum) Here is more information from Floridata.
Juglans nigra (Black walnut) Here are more photos and information from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Carya ovata (Shagbark hickory) Here is more information from the US Forest Service.
Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush blueberry) Here is more information from Plants for a Future.
Vitis rotundifolia (Muscadine) Here is more information from California Rare Fruit Growers.
Castanea pumila (Chinkapin) Here is more information from North Carolina State University.
Corylus americana (American hazelnut) Here is more information from Plants for a Future.
Rubus argutus (Sawtooth blackberry) Here are more photos and information from Carolina Nature.
Rubus occidentalis (Black raspberry) Here are more photos and information from Plants for a Future.
Many common garden fruits and vegetables are not native to North American and Knox County, Tennessee (e.g., Peaches–Prunus persica–native to Asia) but will grow in your area. For information about varieties of non-native fruits and vegetables the University of Tennessee Extension Office is an excellent resource. Here is a link to a list for their publications about Gardening–Fruits. The Knox County Office also offers Fruit and Nut Tree Information.
From the Image Gallery
More Trees Questions
Growth in oak tree in San Antonio
April 05, 2011 - We have a very large gorgeous oak tree in our backyard here in San Antonio, Texas. I noticed a thickness high up in the tree. Thinking it was a nest of some sort, I used binoculars and saw a parasiti...
view the full question and answer
Safety of hyrbrid and non-native trees for dogs and horses from Lawton OK
March 25, 2013 - Are Arrowwood Viburnum tree, Sargent Crabapple tree & the Washington Hawthorn tree safe for dogs & horses?
view the full question and answer
Apple trees for Dothan, AL
April 01, 2009 - I would like to plant early, mid and late season apple trees in my area Dothan Al.What types can I plant that will help pollinate each other? I have plenty of room and planting some crabapples trees w...
view the full question and answer
Fruit trees for Bellville, TX
January 03, 2010 - Which fruit trees will withstand heat and drought in the Bellville, Texas area?
view the full question and answer
Transplant shock in desert willow in Austin
November 09, 2011 - We planted a desert willow 5 days ago. It came in a 15-gallon pot but the tree is quite large (~10 ft) with a wide spread. We watered thoroughly during planting but have not watered since (light rai...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |