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

Thursday - September 04, 2014
From: Roanoke, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Pests, Trees
Title: Weeping Willow Problem in Texas
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
Our weeping willow's leaves are turning yellow and falling off. We are also seeing some brown, gnarly looking pods on some of the stems can you tell us what's happening?ANSWER:
There are several problems of willows (Salix spp.) that could cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off as well a couple of problems that could cause the brown pods on some of the stems.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has an informative Texas Plant Disease Handbook website that has a page on willow problems. One listed is crown gall which is caused by a bacterium that causes larger swellings on the stems. Here’s what they say…
Crown Gall (bacterium – Agrobacterium tumefaciens): Mainly a nursery disease. Large, rough, woody swellings or galls on the lower part of the stem and crown of the plant. Infected plants may be deformed, stunted or even killed. Weeping willow is susceptible. No practical control is known for this disease.
The other possibility for the unusual growths on the stems is that it is one of many willow galls that are formed by the plant in response to a stimulus from an insect, mite, nematode or disease. David Shetlar of Ohio State University Extension has a very good factsheet online about Willow Galls and simply recommends pruning out the galls as they are not a serious threat to the plant.
More Trees Questions
Privacy Trees for New Jersey
March 02, 2011 - My neighbor elevated a row of white pine between our houses at least 20 feet high leaving me with NO privacy and a row of ugly lollipops. What trees can I plant that will be fast growing and deer resi...
view the full question and answer
Twig girdlers attacking an Elm tree in Wimberly, TX.
October 27, 2009 - I was looking at my small 6' cedar elm and noticed that four (4) 1/2" limbs have circle cuts a 1/8" wide completely around them and they are dead. Is this some insect or maybe a bigger critter? I h...
view the full question and answer
Suggestions for native perennials in Staten Island, NY
April 03, 2008 -
My back yard garden has a good base of evergreen shrubs and perennials all doing well in clayish soil and I am ready now to add color and texture in an area with partial sun. Can you suggest hardy...
view the full question and answer
Distance from existing structures to plant a tree in New York
March 05, 2009 - I would like to plant a large maple or birch near my suburban home. How far away from my home, garage, or any buildings should the seed be planted?
view the full question and answer
Laurel oak tree not leafing out in Pasadena TX
April 13, 2010 - Hurricane Ike blew down our red bud in the backyard. Had a large 25' laurel oak planted early March 2010. When it was put in the ground, the leaves were on it, but they were all brown and dried. T...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |