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
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 - September 01, 2014
From: Fredericksburg, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Invasive Plants, Non-Natives, Problem Plants, Trees
Title: Problem with Chinese Pistache tree
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
We have a gorgeous Chinese Pistache in our yard, about 25 feet tall. We bought it for its gorgeous fall color. The problem is that it has never turned color for us. All the other pistaches in the neighborhood are gorgeous but ours goes from green to brown and that's it. What can we do? It is in full sun with well drained soil. Thanks, Colorless in FredericksburgANSWER:
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's mission is "to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes." As the name suggests, Pistacia chinensis (Chinese pistache) is native to China and Eastern Asia, not North America. As such, it is not a species about which we are qualified to offer advice. I recommend that you search the internet for information about it, or consult one of the gardening forums such as GardenWeb.
Additionally, it is listed as an invasive species in the Texas Invasives database. If you should decide to replace it, there are several species native to your area in Texas that do produce beautiful fall colors:
Rhus lanceolata (Prairie flameleaf sumac)
Acer grandidentatum (Bigtooth maple)
Quercus buckleyi (Texas red oak) Here is a photo of this tree with its fall colors from Aggie-Horticulture.
From the Image Gallery
More Invasive Plants Questions
Getting rid of Polygonum punctatum (dotted smartweed)
July 28, 2008 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
After much online research, my property has been invaded by what I believe to be Persicaria polygonum punctata, more commonly known as dotted smartweed. I have tried hortic...
view the full question and answer
Native replacement for bamboo from Houston
May 21, 2013 - I've read one reply where you do not advise using Bamboo as a privacy fence plant. What do you suggest in its place? The suggestions on the one I read will not work for me. Your suggestions were My...
view the full question and answer
Invasive phragmites from New Egypt NJ
July 30, 2011 - I have some wetland near a road. It has been taken over by phragmites. How is the best way to remove these grasses and add some diversity to this area. The area in question is approx. 100 by 30 feet.
view the full question and answer
Pruning of non-native Senna bicapsularis from Ocean Springs MS
April 04, 2013 - I have 4 Senna plants (cassia bicapsularis) that I planted late last spring. They about 3-4 feet tall but are very gangly with leaves at or near the tips only. How should I prune them to encourage g...
view the full question and answer
Groundcovers to choke out invasive species in Virginia
June 08, 2015 - My yard has open woods and dappled light with clay soil. Thirty years ago we removed huge briars and since English Ivy was getting in by itself, we thought we would let it come; unfortunately, it not ...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |