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
Wednesday - December 31, 2008
From: Tyler, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Tree for area around patio in East Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What is the best type of tree to plant around my patio which faces the southeastANSWER:
On our Recommended Species page select the East Texas area from the map or from the pull-down menu and you will get a list of "commercially available native plant species suitable for planned landscapes in East Texas." You can use the "NARROW YOUR SEARCH" option to limit the list to trees by choosing "Tree" from the Habit (general appearance) option. This will narrow the list to 44 tree species that will do well in East Texas. You can then look at the "Plant Characteristics" and "Growing Conditions" to see what best suits your site. Look also under "Benefit" if you are looking for colorful fall foliage or use by birds and other wildlife. Here are a few favorites of Mr. Smarty Plants from that list:Cercis canadensis var. texensis (Texas redbud)
Cornus florida (flowering dogwood)
Frangula caroliniana (Carolina buckthorn)
Fraxinus americana (white ash)
More Trees Questions
Trimming back freeze damage from Anacacho orchid in Liberty Hill TX
May 17, 2010 - When is it safe to trim back what I think is dead wood on my Anacacho orchid trees (that were hit hard this past winter)? Is there any harm done if I cut back living wood?
view the full question and answer
Smoketree not flowering in Beverly Hills CA
June 29, 2011 - Why is my Smoke tree not flowering? It is big and the leaves are beautiful but no blooms.
view the full question and answer
Transplanting large trees in Austin, TX
March 30, 2007 - Hello,
I'm new to Austin and live in Circle C Subdivision off of Hwy 45 and Spruce Canyon. We would like to plant a couple of trees that will provide shade. I've read your Q&As but would like ad...
view the full question and answer
Is Esperanza a deciduous or an evergreen plant?
March 08, 2009 - I've read that Esperanza/Tecoma Stans is an evergreen. I planted one last year that seemed very healthy, but it dropped its leaves in late fall and looks (at least) dormant now. Will it come back o...
view the full question and answer
Grafting Pecan Trees
July 05, 2013 - I have planted two pecan nuts and now they are about 4 feet tall trees, they have not been grafted but can I graft one of the trees to the other and vice versa and expect pecans from then, they are he...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |