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

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
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
Planting fruit and nut trees in Archer, FL.
January 26, 2012 - We're looking to plant a few fruit and nut trees in Archer, Florida. We've been thinking about figs, apples, peaches, oranges, plums, and whatever nuts grow best here (looks like almonds and pecan...
view the full question and answer
Need suggestions for plants for a privacy screen in Long Beach, NY.
August 10, 2011 - I have recently added 1500sq.ft. to my backyard. My backyard faces a busy road. I would like to place native trees and bushes along the fence for added privacy, shade and to protect my house from the...
view the full question and answer
Why doesn't my Rusty blackhead bloom?
April 10, 2016 - I have planted Rusty blackhaws the past several years..some bloomed the first year and every year since....and others 3 years old have not bloomed yet...
Do all Rusty blackhaws bloom eventually or ...
view the full question and answer
Why is my 3 year old Redbud not flowering in San Marcos, TX?
March 24, 2010 - My Cercis canadensis var. mexicana, purchased at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, is 3 years old, very robust, but has never bloomed. Any explanation?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |