Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_43.gif)
Monday - June 15, 2009
From: Tarzana, , CA
Region: California
Topic: Invasive Plants
Title: Is it OK to plant Huisache in southern California?
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
We have a wonderful huisache growing on a very dry rocky/dusty slope. It has now sprouted babies and we are delighted because we have room for several more on this slope. I have some room on our front yard (West-facing, extreme summer heat in PM) which has a tipuanatipu (sp?) tree, mature (7 yrs), a strawberry tree, and several agaves and tall grasses. Can the huisache succeed in this same area? We are cutting way back on watering to fulfill DWP requirements here in Los Angeles county. I did not know the huisache was considered a nuisance. Until the seedlings showed up we were trying to find another one!! The huisache has proven very hardy and seems to have a good symbiotic relationship w/ the cacti and agaves. We use sprinklers at this time in the front yard. If I don't get an answer I'll assume it's OK to plant. Thanks,ANSWER:
While the location you've selected to plant Acacia farnesiana (Huisache) is horticulturally acceptable but ecologically suspect. We cannot recommend its use there because of its potential for invasivenss in your area. Huisache is not native to southern California and there is concern of it becoming a weed there just as it has in other parts of the world where it's been introduced.
More Invasive Plants Questions
Smarty Plants Exotic Species
March 26, 2004 - What is an Exotic Species?
view the full question and answer
Plant identification
November 02, 2011 - I have a plant that I would like to identify. It is a tall shrub/woody vine? (approx. 8-10 feet) that has very large thorns on its branches and stems. The stems remain green during winter. It loses it...
view the full question and answer
Growing bluebonnets in England
June 08, 2008 - I'm sending some bluebonnet seeds to Norwich England to a dear friend. What time of year should she plant them?
view the full question and answer
Controlling Passionflora Incarnata propagation
March 20, 2012 - Would a cinderblock raised bed, 8 inches in height, be sufficient to contain the roots of passiflora incarnata and keep them from traveling to places where I don't want the vine? Are the roots deepe...
view the full question and answer
Plants for oak shade from Whitney TX
December 24, 2012 - I live in Whitney, Texas and have a number of beautiful Live Oak trees in a portion of my yard providing deep shade. Asian Jasmine grows in about 5 ft circle around them and then nothing! I have walk ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |