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)
Wednesday - March 30, 2016
From: Katy, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Trees
Title: Status of Texas Olive tree in Katy, TX
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I have a Texas Olive tree and it has very few leaves. Is this normal?ANSWER:
Well that depends; it depends on how old it is, how much sun it gets, how much water it gets, the kind of soil it is growing in, whether it was nipped by recent cold weather. You certainly didn’t give Mr. Smarty Plants much to work with.
I’m including three links that will give you more information about Cordia boissieri (Mexican olive) and its care.
AgriLife Extension Service
You might consider contacting the Houston Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) for some help closer to home.
From the Image Gallery
More Trees Questions
Eastern red cedar as tall privacy hedge for North Texas
February 28, 2006 - I live in Northern Texas, outside of Dallas, and I need a very, very tall hedge to hide the view of the neighbors car lot from our second floor. We see everything beyond his fence and it drastically ...
view the full question and answer
Propagation of Pacific dogwood
November 21, 2015 - When do I plant Pacific dogwood seeds?
How deep and far apart should they be planted?
The elevation will be around 5k.
view the full question and answer
Leaves on maple turning red in June in Pittsburgh PA
August 01, 2010 - We live in PA and have a medium sized maple tree in our back yard. It is not a red maple. This year, in June, the very top of the tree's foliage turned bright red. This bright red started at the t...
view the full question and answer
Growing a Swamp Oak from Seed
July 02, 2014 - I have a swamp oak that I started from an acorn. Someone at a nursery stated that after 4 years I should cut it off at ground level and then allow one of the suckers to grow while keep removing the ot...
view the full question and answer
Tropical looking plants for pool area in California
November 14, 2008 - I am looking for small tropical looking plants, groundcover, and 2-small trees for around my pool. They have to be non-toxic to dogs,cats, and people. They can't attract bees/wasps, or have a root ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |