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 - May 02, 2007
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Soils, Trees
Title: Soils for Acacia greggii and Bauhinia lunarioides
Answered by: Damon Waitt
QUESTION:
What kind of soil do you recommend for anacacia tree? I was stunned by the one blooming at Center. I have had one for years and it has not been happy. I figure it must be the soil.ANSWER:
We are not sure if you are referring to an Acacia or an Anacacho Orchid tree so we will tell you a little about both. According to our Native Plant Database, Acacia greggii (catclaw acacia) prefers dry, caliche type, well-drained, sandy or rocky soils along with full sun. If you are referring to Bauhinia lunarioides (Texasplume) it also prefers a rocky, limestone soil. The orchid tree makes a gorgeous display with its silvery-gray bark and white flowers that resemble orchids. It does best when planted on the south side of a building, protected from winter winds.
More Trees Questions
Need evergreen hedge and groundcover for shade in Carmel, Indiana
September 27, 2010 - Our property is bounded by a fencerow that is wooded and mostly shaded by mulberry and hackberry trees during the growing months. We'd like to create a 5'+ tall evergreen barrier on the property li...
view the full question and answer
Large oak with possible Laetiporus fungus
November 29, 2011 - We have a huge oak tree in front of our new house. After the first rain this fall a large fungal growth appeared in an old knothole of the tree and I would guess that it is Laetiporus.
A neighborho...
view the full question and answer
Trees and shrubs turning brown in Dripping Springs TX
October 31, 2011 - Due to the extended drought - a number of trees and shrubs in our Dripping Springs area property have turned brown. Specifically: Live Oak; Agarita; Ash Juniper; Cedar Elm. Is this a dormant stag...
view the full question and answer
Drought affecting native trees from The Woodlands
August 18, 2011 - I've been trying to grow native trees in my yard for the past 3 years and I'm starting to question whether the amount of time required to spend watering them during the long hot season in Texas is r...
view the full question and answer
Screen Tree for Lockhart, TX.
March 30, 2015 - What is a good screening tree for a ranch in the Lockhart area that won't get much water.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |