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
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 - April 26, 2010
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation
Title: Adventitious sprouts on oak tree in Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Hello, I have an Oak tree which was planted in about 2002, which has adventitious sprouts. The tree has always sent these up, and we cut them off below ground. The tree has always been a 'runt', but is growing slowly and gaining more leaves up in the tree. I would like to keep the tree if possible and make it more healthy, but also stop the sprouts. Any information re/ how to help the tree and make the sprouts stop is most appreciated. Thanks.ANSWER:
What you're doing is what you do about oak sprouts. If you try herbicide on the sprouts, it will go right into the tree, because those sprouts have no roots-their roots are the oak tree roots. And, when your oak tree gets big enought to drop acorns, it will add those to the sprouting trees in your garden. If you keep a sharp eye out, you can usually pull out the sprouting acorns by the root. The oak has a long taproot and will get that taproot going down into the soil as quickly as it can, so don't let it get ahead of you. And no poison-if you want to keep the oak.More Propagation Questions
Cold stratification of Rudbeckcia maxima from Birdeye AR
August 08, 2013 - How long do I cold stratify Rudbeckia maxima seeds that I wild harvested? Can I put them in the freezer instead of fridge?
Do I need to make sure they are completely dry before cold strat?
view the full question and answer
Propagating a magnolia by cuttings in Rochester, NY
May 15, 2009 - How can I start a magnolia snip from my already existing tree, to grow another one from it, like a starter to pass on to someone?
view the full question and answer
Do flowers on century plants grow century plants from Huachuca City AZ
September 06, 2013 - The flowers on century plants: can they "grow" century plants?
view the full question and answer
Poppies for a wedding in August from Highlands Ranch CO
February 04, 2013 - Are poppies available to buy for weddings in August in Colorado?
view the full question and answer
What do wildflower seeds look like from Westlake Village CA
February 23, 2014 - I collect seeds from my wild flower garden but can't always tell what part of the dried flower is the actual seed that will reproduce. Is there a resource that shows the seed part of flowers? Than...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |