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
Survivors of a Cedar Elm thicket thinning.
April 12, 2013 - I thinned a thicket of cedar elm saplings, but a few are now leaning excessively. Will they straighten up over time or should I go ahead and cut them too? Thanks!!
view the full question and answer
My Cedar Elms drop leaves all year long. Is that a problem?
February 10, 2013 - Lake LBJ Area. My Cedar Elms,(I have about 8) drop leaves all year long and then drop all in late fall/early winter. Does the year round drop indicate a problem? It is definitely a nuisance.
Thanks
view the full question and answer
Fast-growing trees for privacy in East Texas
September 02, 2013 - Fast growing tree seeds for my area to create a tree grove for privacy.
view the full question and answer
Will desert willow (Chlopsis linearis) grow in N. E. Mississippi
July 21, 2008 - I am located in N.E. Mississippi. A friend of mine sent me a few desert willow seeds. I have about 5 plants growing now that are about 6 inches tall. I was wanting to know first of all, is it possi...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen shrub for hedge in pasture in California
August 15, 2012 - I am looking at putting in a hedge along a pasture between my neighbor and me. I was considering a podacarpus plant about every 4' for 100'. is this a fast growing, full thickness, tall evergreen bu...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |