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
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
Need suggestions for a small tree for cemetery in NH.
August 30, 2012 - I would like suggestions for picking a SMALL tree for a rural cemetery in Winchester, NEW HAMPSHIRE. Would the delicate Japanese Elm be suitable for the weather, etc?
view the full question and answer
Planting petunias around base of oak tree from Houma LA
March 30, 2013 - I live in south Louisiana and I want to plant petunias. Can I plant petunias around the base of an oak tree?
view the full question and answer
Insects along branches of cedar elm
April 14, 2011 - I have a 10 foot Cedar Elm planted three years ago. The smaller branches have what looks like incubating red pellet-like insects in a soft, putty colored glob--one insect per glob. They are all alon...
view the full question and answer
Trees for townhome backyard in Fullerton, CA
August 15, 2009 - Hi, I live in a townhome with a big backyard here in Orange County. Last year, I got rid of my ficus trees that had grown too tall and big for a townhome backyard. Now, I would like to plant two tre...
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. |