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
Wednesday - June 06, 2012
From: austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Watering, Trees
Title: Mexican Plum with wilted leaves in Austin, TX.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I am new to Texas & have a yard with mature mexican plum trees. They are quite beautiful however as summer sets in I notice that the leaves appear "wilted". Is this normal or should I be providing extra water? ThanksANSWER:
Welcome to Texas!
The Mexican Plum Prunus mexicana (Mexican plum) is a handsome Texas native that has low water use, and can tolerate dry conditions. However, when the leaves on a tree begin to wilt, it is trying to tell you something. If the water loss by a plant through transpiration is greater than the water supply, wilting can result followed by leaf drop. As the weather heats up, water demand increases, and if the trees have set fruit, there is additional demand in order for the fruit to grow and develop. So I guess the short answer is to add some more water.
I’m including two links with tips about watering plants; one is from the Texas Forest Service, and the other is from Oregon State University Extension.
From the Image Gallery
More Trees Questions
Evergreen Privacy Hedge for Long Island
June 29, 2012 - I live on Long Island and want a privacy evergreen hedge partial sun.
view the full question and answer
Edible forest garden for northern Minnesota
March 07, 2014 - I am planning an edible forest garden for northern Minnesota. Can you suggest a list of plants that are native to this area. We are in zone 3a or 3b. Thank you!
view the full question and answer
Time for trimming oaks from Boerne TX
July 03, 2012 - I want to trim a native red oak but am scared to touch it because I dont want to lose it. It is the primary source of shade in our back yard. Also I want to trim the live oaks and am surrounded with O...
view the full question and answer
Possibility of growing a Lacey Oak in Katy, TX
April 04, 2011 - I live in Katy, TX - west of Houston and would like to place a Lacey Oak tree in my yard. We enjoyed this tree in our former home south of Dallas - and I understand it does better in alkaline soils; ...
view the full question and answer
Swarming insects on non-native willow in Washington PA
September 25, 2011 - I have had a very large, beautiful pillow willow bush/tree growing next to our garage for about 8 years. Last year at the end of August, it began to attract white-faced hornets and yellow jackets by t...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |