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 - December 08, 2010
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Propagation
Title: Looking for an apple tree to plant in Austin, TX.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I want to plant an apple tree in my yard that bears fruit and will provide habitat and shade. Are any varieties that will do well in the South Austin area? And do I have to plant two trees to get fruit?ANSWER:
The only apples native to North America are the Crabapples which are very tart, and different from the apples you probably have in mind. The more than 6,000 varieties of apples available today are decendents of apples that grew in the region between the Caspian and Black Sea in Asia.
This article from Aggie Horticulture tells you about the varieties that are suitable for the area. It deals with the selection of trees , and how to plant them and care for them. It is directed more toward establishing an orchard, but you can extract the information that you need. Additional information about growing apples can be found at this link from associatedcontent.com.. It tells you that apple trees must cross pollinate for optimum production, so you will need to plant two trees.
This link from University of Illinois Extension has some interesting Apple Facts that you can enjoy while having your daily apple.
More Non-Natives Questions
Transplanting a non-native rose from Akron OH
August 30, 2012 - Can I transplant a rose plant that I have in sunny area to an area that will be partially shady?
view the full question and answer
Identification of non-native Viburnum lantana
July 23, 2007 - Could you tell me what this plant is? I have no idea!
Vib Iantana Mohican - this is all the info. I have, other than it can grow in the mid-west.
view the full question and answer
Non-native hosta and cedar tree in Burlington, ON
April 23, 2009 - Will hosta grow along side cedar trees, if planted at the same time?
view the full question and answer
Kerrville Soil for Vegetables
May 03, 2012 - We are moving to our vacation home in Kerrville, TX and plan on putting in a vegetable garden on the sunny north side of our house. I'm assuming that your answer to the person inquiring about "soil...
view the full question and answer
Possibly escaped non-native Buddleja davidii in Missouri
March 15, 2006 - About 3 years ago my wife and I were traveling thru southeastern Missouri and stopped at a road side rest station on Interstate 44. While we were there we noticed a shrub about 4 to 5 feet tall with p...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |