Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Thursday - April 09, 2015
From: Liberty, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seasonal Tasks, Trees
Title: Live Oak Mess in Liberty, TX
Answered by: Larry Larson
QUESTION:
Should I leave the pollination debris that has fallen from my 3 historic live oaks on the ground surface beneath them or use a leaf blower to remove.ANSWER:
My Homeowners Association doesn’t consider that there is any option there!
That debris is the male flower of the Oak Tree, a catkin, a male oak flower which has been happily coating your car in yellow-green pollen the last few weeks.
Here are a couple web articles about this phenomenom,
"Oak Flowers" from backyardnature.net, a discussion/description of Oak Catkins and
"Oak pollen: job done" from the Washington Post.
Being slightly more serious about this, it is pretty much up to you. The tree is done with them and has discarded the catkins. In a natural situation, the catkins become part of the leaf compost/mulch that is formed under the tree. This will act to suppress other plants under the Oak, but is fine otherwise. With that said - Mine has been raked up and set out for the city green recycling pickup.
From the Image Gallery
More Trees Questions
Shumard oak or live oak in Waco TX?
October 02, 2009 - Dear Mr Smarty Plants,
I planted 2 small Shumard oaks in my front yard (east side of the house, 8-9 hours of sun per day) 18 months ago. Both had been purchased from a national chain store's garden ...
view the full question and answer
Leaf drop from maple tree in Minnesota
August 15, 2008 - I have about a 30 ft maple tree in my yard, last fall I trimmed it pretty good because the branches were getting low where you could not walk under it or get grass to grow. This is the 2nd time in abo...
view the full question and answer
Would like suggestions for a tree or bush to be given as a memorial gift for friends in Austin, TX.
April 26, 2011 - Hello,
I would like to give a memorial gift of a tree and/or bush native to the Austin area to friends living there. Any suggestions? Local vendors would be appreciated also.
Thanks very much!
view the full question and answer
Wild Texas olive trees in Chappell Hill TX
July 17, 2009 - Are wild texas olive trees male and female? Mine is evergreen with no olives. I would like to have another that is evergreen and has no fruit but all I find are deciduous and have fruit.
view the full question and answer
Flowering problems with Mexican Plum and Mimosa in Austin, TX
March 18, 2010 - Greetings,
My Prunus mexicana (Mexican Plum) did not produce flowers before its leaves. Can you tell me why? I was hoping to have some fruit this year.
Also, as of this morning March 13. My...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |