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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Friday - July 04, 2008
From: Oswego, IL
Region: Midwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Trees for creek side in Illinois
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a creek that runs along my back yard, and was wondering if you could give me some suggestions on water loving trees to grow next to it. The creek gets sun all day and is located in zone 5. (some other than the willows)ANSWER:
Below are some suggestions for trees (no wilows) that will do well alongside a stream and are hardy in zone 5:Alnus incana ssp. rugosa (speckled alder) is a shrub/tree of streambanks. Here are photos and more information.
Amelanchier laevis (Allegheny serviceberry) likes to grow in wet places. Here is more information.
Betula nigra (river birch) grows on stream banks. Here is more information.
Morus rubra (red mulberry) grows on stream and river banks. More information.
Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore) is a large tree that grows in flood plains and bottomlands. More information.
Populus deltoides (eastern cottonwood) is another large tree that grows in much the same habitat as the sycamore. More information.
Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) grows on stream banks and moist disturbed areas. More information.
More Trees Questions
Natural privacy hedge for Kyle Texas
January 06, 2014 - I am looking to make a natural privacy screen in the Kyle Texas area. I am being pointed towards Leyland Cypress by some and told to shy away from this tree by others. I found Green Giant Arborvitae a...
view the full question and answer
Problems with tuliptree in North Salem IN
September 02, 2009 - I have a tulip tree and it looks like it is dying. The limbs are starting to turn bright blue. Do I have an insect problem or is it from a lightning strike?
view the full question and answer
Care for oak acorns after planting from Huntsville TX
April 21, 2012 - I planted oak trees from acorns, how often and how much do I water them?
view the full question and answer
Clicking heard under an Oak in near Bandera, TX
May 06, 2014 - Hi, I live on a ranch in TX outside of Bandera. We're covered with live oaks, spanish oak and cedar. Last week,as I stood under an oak, I heard a constant fairly loud clicking sound under and around ...
view the full question and answer
Precautions regarding pruning live oaks in the Austin area.
October 27, 2015 - Is it still recommended that we clean pruning shears and spray wounds when pruning live oaks in the Austin area?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |