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
Wednesday - July 02, 2014
From: Dripping Springs, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Non-native Meyer lemon problems in Dripping Springs, TX.
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
I have a Meyer lemon that looks very sick. The leaves, limbs, and fruit all have brownish gold raised spots that are the size of a pin head. The spots on the leaves seem to run along the center of the leaf and along the veins of the leaf surface.Yet, there is some new growth of leaves, blooms and small fruit that eventually dies or is overtaken by this beast. Tree had over 50 healthy lemons when this all started. Tried an all sulfur/pyrethrine/fungicide product, to no avail. Whatever it is, its very aggressive. PS I have pictures if my description is lacking.ANSWER:
We wish we could be more helpful, but the focus of our research and the extent of our expertise are limited to those plant species native to North America. Meyer lemon is native to China. As it is a very popular plant in your part of the country there is a good chance that others in your are have had the same problems and that your county's AgriLife Extension Service office can identify the cause of the problem and perhaps recommend a treatment or remedy.
More Non-Natives Questions
Is a mulberry tree undesirable?
June 27, 2013 - I have a hard time keeping plants alive, so I was happy when a random plant just started growing and thriving about 5 years ago in my yard. My mom (a frequent volunteer at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildf...
view the full question and answer
Research on Native vs. Non-Native Plants
October 22, 2009 - I am doing a research project on comparing and analyzing the effects of non-native plants vs. native plants on the environment and surrounding ecosystems. The end result of my project will be to desi...
view the full question and answer
Should Mexican milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) not be used to attract Monarch butterflies?
November 20, 2015 - Should I remove Asclepias curassavica (Mexican milkweed) in my garden for threat of OE parasitic protozoan threat to Monarch butterflies? Is this threat as widespread as Chronicle implies? I had great...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native nectarine in Gilbertsville PA
November 20, 2009 - I live in southeastern Pennsylvania. I have a mature nectarine tree maybe 14 years old. It has a greenish grey spotting on the trunk and branches, the fruit always turns into the brown mummies and f...
view the full question and answer
Survival of non-native Cape Plumbago in Delaware
October 18, 2008 - I have a cape plumbago shrub growing in a large pot outdoors - but we are in Delaware - where it won't apparently survive the winter. How can I keep my plumbago safe over the winter?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |