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
Wednesday - June 17, 2015
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Trees
Title: Red oak leaves have a swelling along the veins
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I have red oaks in my back yard, approx 30 or more have a disease that are wilting the leaves. Looking at the back of the leaf there is swelling along the spines. I've gone to one nursery in town that confirmed it was not oak wilt, but had not seen this symptom before. I can send a picture on request. The trees all seem to be fully affected on all branches.ANSWER:
The disorder of your Quercus texana (Nuttall oak) is caused by the action of a small midge with a name, Macrodiplosis quercusoruca, much longer than itself. It llays its eggs near the leaf vein. Chemicals secreted by the midge's larva as it feeds by the leaf vein cause the tissues by the veins to swell. It seems common in the Austin area this year. I have noticed infested oaks in my yard for the first time. Perhaps the midge prospered because of the unusually wet weather. There is apparently no remedy for this infestation, but I believe that the trees will survive.
More Trees Questions
Spots on non-native naval orange trees from Stockton CA
October 20, 2012 - I have two mature Navel Orange trees. One tree has developed spotty chlorophyl depleted areas that were not on the oranges when they were smaller. In addition, the oranges on both trees are smaller ,...
view the full question and answer
Propagation of maple tree in Canada
July 08, 2008 - I have a gorgeous maple tree in my front lawn and I want to plant more like it. The tree gives off very few keys a year so I want to make sure this works. How do I go about planting a maple key?
view the full question and answer
Small trees for property edge in Katy TX
April 16, 2012 - By deed restriction, I must have five trees on the side of my small suburban lot just west of Houston, TX. Due to the lot layout, the trunks are only about 8-10 feet from the house, with the trees abo...
view the full question and answer
Tx Mt. Laurel and Mex. Buckeye seed propagation in drought
July 01, 2011 - I live in the Hill Country near New Braunfels. Since I am only at my house in July and August, I would like to plant both Texas Mountain Laurel and Mexican Buckeye from the seeds harvested from mothe...
view the full question and answer
Sprouts from stems of plants from Happy Yard IN
September 28, 2013 - Is it normal for a plant to start a sprout from its own root system next to the stock/stem? Is it trying to regrow?
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |