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.
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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.
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Saturday - August 15, 2009
From: Fullerton, CA
Region: California
Topic: Trees
Title: Trees for townhome backyard in Fullerton, CA
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
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 trees on both side of my yard. Could you please let me know where I could find a nursery where I could find non-invasive trees that would grow higher than 6 feet.ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants is wondering whether you want trees that would grow higher than 6 feet or trees that would NOT grow higher than 6 feet since your ficus trees had grown too tall for your backyard. Whichever it is, here are a few trees of various heights that are native to your area.Chilopsis linearis (desert willow) grows 15 to 30 feet
Malosma laurina (laurel sumac) grows up to 15 feet and here are photos and more information
Quercus agrifolia (California live oak) grows 20 to 50 feet
Umbellularia californica (California laurel) is a slower grower to 40 feet
Acer negundo (boxelder) grows 35-50 feet
Juglans californica (Southern California walnut) grows 20 to 30 feet and here are photos and more information
Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. aspleniifolius (Catalina ironwood) grows 30 to 50 feet and here are photos
Prunus ilicifolia (hollyleaf cherry) grows to 10 feet and photos
If you visit our National Suppliers Directory and type in your city and state, you will get a list of nurseries and seed companies that specialize in native plants in your area. On this list Las Pilitas Nursery, with stores in Escondido and Santa Margarita, has an extensive inventory of native California plants.
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January 03, 2012 - My yard was a disaster last year-grass and trees browning, early leaf fall on flowering plants, and water bills sky high, even with the limited watering days. What can I do this year to prevent this s...
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Problem with leaves of Texas Ash in Austin
May 21, 2012 - We purchased a 3' to 4' Texas Ash in March 2012. The past few days I noticed new leaves at the top are curled under, have a milky substance on them, and more than a few ladybugs on them. What is thi...
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Tall trees for planting around a swimming pool in Frisco, Texas
May 04, 2010 - Could you please tell me what kind of tall trees would be best to plant around a swimming pool in Frisco, Texas?
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