Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Tuesday - February 24, 2015

From: Plantersville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title:
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

I have an Ehretia anacua in the way of possible development of a new building and I have a few questions.\r\nWhat is the typical life span of that tree and are the roots sensitive to compaction and disturbance if I placed a driveway within a few feet of the trunk.

ANSWER:

I want to start with a little tutorial about trees and tree roots. The links below will let you know about compaction and impervious cover under the canopy of  your Anacua.

   Florida plants on line 

  Colorado State University  

Anacua Ehretia anacua (Anacua) is  a popular ornamental tree in Texas growing to 36 -72 feet tall. There are some who claim it is their favorite tree . A fine specimen can be found growing at the Bexar County Courthouse in San Antonio, TX.
Anacua is rated as a slow-grower which means about 12 inches per year depending on growing conditions. (see previous answer). A tree could live for 36 years to reach its mature height. Probably less if there is a driveway around its trunk.

 

From the Image Gallery


Anacua
Ehretia anacua

Anacua
Ehretia anacua

More Trees Questions

Why isn't my recently planted Mexican Redbud growing in Georgetown, TX?
April 11, 2010 - I planted a container-grown Mexican Redbud in early March. As of April 5th, it is showing no signs of buds or leaves. Other redbuds in the area (possibly Texas redbuds) have been blooming for severa...
view the full question and answer

Smoketree not flowering in Beverly Hills CA
June 29, 2011 - Why is my Smoke tree not flowering? It is big and the leaves are beautiful but no blooms.
view the full question and answer

Non-native avocado trees in Rio Grande Valley from Austin
January 05, 2013 - I just read the article in the Austin American Statesman about growing avocados outdoors. Don't know if they grow here, but they certainly don't just grow in south Florida. I used to live in Wesla...
view the full question and answer

Most numerous trees in the Piedmont NC from Chapel Hill NC
September 20, 2012 - What's a list of the most populous trees in piedmont North Carolina?
view the full question and answer

Coconut in a husk from Round Rock TX
January 26, 2011 - Looking for a coconut in its complete husk ?
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.