Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Monday - December 19, 2011

From: Owensville, IN
Region: Midwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Propagation, Trees
Title: Why is non-native peach tree not going dormant in Owensville IN
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I have a peach tree I grew from a peach pit. It is about 2 years old. I planted the tree in my yard this summer. It is now about 3' tall. My problem is it is not going dormant. We have had several freezes and the tree has not lost leaves and looks healthy. My question why has it not gone dormant and will it survive if it does not. I live in southern Indiana. Thanks for your help.

ANSWER:

Begin by reading this article from Ohio State University Extension on the surprises you will get when you plant a peach seed, and why. Next, we want to tell you that we have information in our Native Plant Database only on plants native to North America. The Prunus persica, peach is native to China. Because of the grafting of peach trees mentioned in the OSU article and because the tree is not native to North America, we really can't even guess why it is not going dormant. By now, it may have. There are probably so many different strains of the genus Prunus in your tree that it is totally confused. This sounds like something that is going to have to take its course, but for your sake we hope it survives. It would be interesting to see what kind of fruit you get if, indeed, you do.

 

More Propagation Questions

Need plants for a ecoregion prairie project in Cleburne, TX
October 30, 2014 - I have a ecoregion prairie project in which students are to plant from pots a small area so visitors might see what the seeded area will become. We are struggling to find potted plants. HELP
view the full question and answer

Planting iris rhizomes in Wisconsin
October 10, 2008 - I live in central WI and was given some iris bulbs (think they are called Rhizomes) and have no idea how to go about planting them. I am very new to planting so step by step instructions with good de...
view the full question and answer

Propagating Pavonia seeds
October 10, 2013 - Could you please recommend a method for scarifying Pavonia seeds? Thank you
view the full question and answer

Can I Grow Beautyberry
December 30, 2011 - Will try to be brief. Beautyberry sprouted leaves in vase of branches in water. It's NYC beginning of winter. Can I plant it outside? If not will it grow in a pot inside? Thanks. Happy New Ye...
view the full question and answer

Propagating magnolias from Springtown TX
July 07, 2011 - I am trying to find out how to plant Magnolia tree seeds and what has to be done with them prior to planting, if anything and what type of soil to use.
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.