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

Thursday - July 03, 2008
From: Iredell, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Planting, Shrubs
Title: Information about blackleaf elderberry
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I was given a blackleaf elderberry. Do I plant this tree in shade or sun? Also, does it require a lot of moisture? Thank you.ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants assumes you are talking about the Black Lace cultivar of Sambucus nigra (black elderberry). According to this source, it will grow in part shade or sun, but does best in full sun to give the dark leaf color. It prefers moist soil but will tolerate drier soils.
More Shrubs Questions
Did Mexican fire bush (Hamelia patens) survive winter cold?
May 05, 2010 - I have a Mexican fire bush that I planted last spring and it bloomed beautifully last summer. It browned and we cut it back to the ground. Right now it's showing no signs of life and I'm afraid it m...
view the full question and answer
Texas sage near a granite outcropping from Llano TX
June 10, 2013 - I have a large granite outcropping near my house. There are pockets that have spring flowers growing in them and is just beautiful in the spring. I want to plant other native plants in and about the g...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen screening plant for California
May 08, 2012 - I am looking for an evergreen plant that can be used as a screen. Maybe something wispy. Any suggestions?
view the full question and answer
Flowering small native plants for Easton PA
July 29, 2009 - Please name small flowering evergreen plants native to Easton, PA. These need to be wind tolerant and must be taller than 1 foot tall, no more than 4 feet tall.
view the full question and answer
Identification of fragrant, white-flowered bush in Arizona
April 14, 2013 - I'd like to identify a flowering bush which has white sweet-smelling flowers.
It is growing in the Coconino National Forest in the area near the Airport vortex/Airport mesa in Sedona, Arizona.
...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |