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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

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.

Search Smarty Plants

See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer

Not Yet Rated

Tuesday - January 20, 2009

From: Easton, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Source for eastern red cedar trees for Pennsylvania
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Please help, Mr. Smarty Pants! I live in Easton PA, and I would like to create an instant screen on my property line using Eastern Redcedar trees. I was hoping to find 5 to 6 foot trees. Most places only provide young trees (1' to 18 inches). Can you suggest how I might locate a local supplier of this looked over tree? I like them because they are indiginous, do well near my black walnut trees, and attract birds. I found a place called Willoway Nurseries in NY, but they are too far away. Thank you!

ANSWER:

Just about the time we were about to answer your question on Juniperus virginiana (eastern redcedar), we got your second request to ignore this one. Oh, well. We gave you another way to find nurseries carrying native plants in that answer. You might also want to look at this USDA Forest Service website with details on the culture of the tree. Although we have seen information that they are easy to transplant, we don't agree. Generally, the method of propagation suggested is by seed; however, that lengthens the time before you have grown plants and there is a low level of germination from the seeds. You know, nothing is "instant." No matter what plant you select, it will take a while for your screen to develop. Follow the plant link above to our webpage on that tree.