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
Monday - May 11, 2009
From: New Braunfels, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Problems with red oak in New Braunfels TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
One of my red oaks still doesn't have all its flowers. The main bark has some dark stuff oozing out and one of the branches has a fine powdery substance on it. HELP!!!!ANSWER:
There are several oaks that are referred to by the common name "red oak." Since you are in central Texas, we are betting that what you have is Quercus buckleyi (Buckley oak). All of the red oaks are very susceptible to Oak Wilt, and first symptoms usually show up in the Spring. Since we are not plant pathologists and wouldn't even try to diagnose at a distance, we want to first refer you to this USDA Forest Service article How to Identify, Prevent and Control Oak Wilt. Another possibility is discussed in the Texas A&M article on East Texas Gardening Hypoxylon Canker in Oaks. The white substance on the branch is probably powdery mildew .
We would really like to say it's really nothing to worry about, and we hope it is nothing to worry about, but we think you need to get someone who knows about oak pests and diseases on the spot to look at the problem and make recommendations. Start by contacting the Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension Office Comal County. There is contact information on their homepage.
More Trees Questions
Non-native invasive carrot wood tree losing leaves in Alpine CA
April 22, 2014 - My carrot wood tree is losing all of its leaves. The tree is about 15foot high & 13 years old. Could it be gophers? The tree was trimmed 1 year ago.
view the full question and answer
Locating a Western Soapberry Tree for Montezuma IN
November 20, 2009 - Hello, I hope you can help. We homeschool in Indiana (Dad is a native Texan, transplanted). We are looking for someone with a healthy, mature & fruiting Western Soapberry Tree..sapindus drumondii.
view the full question and answer
Two Holly Cultivars for a Texas Front Landscape?
February 22, 2016 - We are starting a new with our landscape. All existing 30-year-old plants are going to be removed. We would like a focal point at the front door area and are considering 'Savannah' or 'Nellie R. St...
view the full question and answer
A Native Tree for Ardmore PA
January 15, 2014 - I am looking to plant a native tree in my back yard. The yard is small and gets mostly afternoon sun. Thank you
view the full question and answer
Are Royal Poinciana and Royal Empress trees the same?
October 09, 2015 - Hi, can you tell me if the Royal empress tree and the Royal Poinciana are the same tree?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |