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 - January 15, 2015
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Planting, Trees
Title: large tree suited for limestone site in Austin, TX
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I have a dying Chinaberry tree [35 ' tall; WNW corner of lot; at least 25 years old] that I am having removed. What native / adapted tree would you recommend to fill that void. I do understand that it will take a lot of time or a lot of money for another tree to get that size, but I would like to plant water wise and get rid of this invasive plant. We live on layers of limestone / bluestone in the Great Hills area of Austin.ANSWER:
A good description of trees suitable for the Austin area has been published by the City of Austin. Large native tree species that will thrive on your site are limited in number. I recommend either Ulmus crassifolia (Cedar elm) or Fraxinus albicans (Texas ash) as being best suited for your limestone setting. If you have a pocket of fairly deep soil, consider Quercus muehlenbergii (Chinkapin oak) or Acer grandidentatum (Bigtooth maple), species that are becoming more popular in Austin. Quercus buckleyi (Texas red oak) should do well, but it is very susceptible to oak wilt.
Winter is the best time to plant trees. Tips on tree planting are on the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center web site. You can find native trees at local plant nurseries, such as Barton Springs Nursery and The Natural Gardener.
From the Image Gallery
More Trees Questions
Red oak (Quercus shumardii or Q. buckleyi) for small yard.
December 13, 2007 - Hello,
I want to plant a red oak but my yard is not large. I'm looking for a red oak that is medium size in width. The height is not so much of a concern. From what I've read, the Shumard is m...
view the full question and answer
Mystery Fruit in Ashland Oregon
November 10, 2010 - Hi, I live in Oregon and while I was picking wild apples I came across what I thought was a lemon tree. I picked some of the smaller fruits that grew in pairs and had a small, yellow lemon appearance ...
view the full question and answer
Live Oak Suckers or ??? in Arlington, TX
September 12, 2014 - Do I have live oak suckers or an invasive plant?
We bought a house a few years ago in Arlington, TX with two beautiful old live oak trees, and mostly just bare sand-dirt under them. Under one t...
view the full question and answer
Need suggestions for a small tree for cemetery in NH.
August 30, 2012 - I would like suggestions for picking a SMALL tree for a rural cemetery in Winchester, NEW HAMPSHIRE. Would the delicate Japanese Elm be suitable for the weather, etc?
view the full question and answer
Planting fruit and nut trees in Mason County, TX
March 02, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I have 36 acres 15 miles west of the city of Mason TX. I wish to plant one acre plots of sustainable organic crops that are long term and hardy. (cost and effort not an iss...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |