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 - October 12, 2005
From: Covington, LA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Trees
Title: Possibility of saving hurricane-damaged Umbrella Magnolia
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Our beautiful umbrella magnolia Magnoliaceae Magnolia tripetala was toppled during Hurricane Katrina. We have lifted it back in place, however it looks very distressed. I have the following questions: 1. Can it be saved? 2. Can I produce a cutting from the existing tree? 3. Can this tree still be purchased? 4. help!ANSWER:
We are very sorry about your Umbrella magnolia (Magnolia tripetala).1. The major factor in saving your tree is how much of the root ball remained intact when it toppled. If it still has most of its roots, it has a good chance of surviving; but you need to trim it back—HARD! Other factors that could affect its survival is the age of the tree, its health before the hurricane toppled it, and length of time the roots were exposed.
2. You can propagate by seeds or by rooting from shoots. The Botany.com web page describes how this can be done.
3. We have found a couple of nurseries, Overhill Gardens, in Vonore, Tennessee and NWN Nursery in Chipley, Florida that show Magnolia tripetala in their current catalogs. There are probably others in your area. You can visit the National Suppliers Directory in the Native Plant Information Network to search for nurseries that specialize in native plants in your area.
4. Finally, here is an excellent web page with Links: Information about Magnolias. Best of luck with your umbrella magnolia.
More Trees Questions
Trees suited for rocky, caliche soil of Central Texas
September 20, 2011 - I need to replace aging ashes. I have planted 2 Monterey oaks, but I would like to know what else I could plant whose roots will grow well in NW Austin caliche, rocky soil?
Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Windbreak [Dustbreak] for Shelton, WA
May 31, 2013 - I live on a well traveled, dusty, gravel road in the Pacific North West and would like to plant a barrier to help control the dust.
view the full question and answer
Availability of seeds or plants for Texas Mulberry
September 12, 2006 - Is there any source of seeds or plants for Texas Mulberry?
view the full question and answer
Looking for Manzanita (Mt. Diablo variety)
April 19, 2009 - Hi,
We live in the Alhambra Valley area; in the country between Martinez and Lafayette/Orina. Can you tell me where I can purchase Manzanita, preferably Mt. Diablo variety if possible? I've aske...
view the full question and answer
What about planting a Colorado Blue Spruce in Rapid City, SD?
May 13, 2009 - What would be the best tree to plant in my small front yard that would be low maintenance? I live in Rapid City, SD, and we are landscaping our front yard. We were thinking of Colorado Blue Spruce b...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |