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
Tuesday - June 29, 2010
From: McPherson, KS
Region: Midwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Diseases and Disorders
Title: New growth on Amur Maple turning black in McPherson, Kansas.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Re: Amur Maple bushes Approximately 2 yrs old, 4 ft tall. New growth at the end of some branches is turning black. Plants are mulched with grass clippings. We live in Kansas. Thanks for any info.ANSWER:
Your plant's distress could be caused by a number of things ranging from watering problems, to fungus or bacterial diseases, to leaf hoppers. Your best bet is to have someone take a look at the plants first hand. I would suggest contacting the folks at the McPherson County Office of K-State Research and Extension to obtain a definitive diagnosis.
This site from Clemson Cooperative Extension also has some information about diseases of Maple trees.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention that the mission of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes. The Amur Maple Acer ginnala is an introduced species from Japan and falls ouside the area of our expertise.
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Damage to Pine Tree on Cape Cod, MA
June 11, 2013 - My pine tree on Cape Cod has bark that is perforated with holes covering the entire tree. Bark can be removed by hand. Looks dead. What did this?
view the full question and answer
Esperanza with rust spots in Corpus Christi, TX
November 30, 2009 - I have a young esperanza plant and the leaves have what looks like rust spots all over them. What is the cause of this and what can I do for it? My other larger and older esperanza does not have this....
view the full question and answer
Cotton root rot in Purple Sage, Leucophyllus frutescens
November 09, 2005 - We had three Purple Sage shrubs in our front yard. They did very well for about three years and then this past year they just died. From what I have read they are pretty hardy so we are really stum...
view the full question and answer
Which plants are resistant to dog urine in Ashmore, IL??
May 21, 2012 - Which native plants are resistant to dogs urinating on them?
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native tomatoes from Spokane WA
August 18, 2012 - I have 2 tomato plants in 1 whiskey barrel, they are in abundance with tomatoes. My problem is when the tomatoes start to ripen, half green & half light red within 1 day the tomatoes are really soft ...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |