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
1 rating

Saturday - July 14, 2012

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Pests, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Something eating cannas in Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

What is eating my cannas?

ANSWER:

Here is a previous Mr. Smarty Plants answer concerning cannas. Since they are non-native to North America and we have no personal experience with them, we have listed some websites that deal with canna pests. You will note that the last one lists slugs and snails as possible culprints. Last year, when we could not water much and the rain did not come, we didn't usually consider slugs and snails as a possible threat in Central Texas. However, this year it is different, and we have responded to several questions with instructions for looking for these somewhat disgusting animals.

Previous Mr. Smarty Plants question on snails and slugs

Canna News Canna Virus Disese

Gulf Breeze News Leafroller insect a major pest of canna lily

eHow Canna Lily Pests

do-it-yourself Protecting Canna Lily from Insects

 

More Pests Questions

Weedy buffalo grass from Dripping Springs, TX
March 07, 2013 - I have a buffalo grass lawn. It is thin and filled with weeds. I would like to find a solution to improve my lawn. I prefer a native grass but I need to be able to control the weeds and I am not ph...
view the full question and answer

Growing Giant Pumpkins in Georgia
April 15, 2013 - I have tried to grow giant pumpkins in the Atlanta, GA area. Each year I lose several strong plants to vine borers. I have tried tin foil wrapped around the stems, and I even painted the stems with Se...
view the full question and answer

Spots on persimmon tree leaves from Dripping Springs TX
July 10, 2013 - We are in rural Hays County Texas off Hamilton Pool Rd Texas. Large persimmon trees are turning yellow, blackish spots on underside of leaves. What do we do?
view the full question and answer

Treating cuts in tree trunks
November 21, 2009 - We have two young trees that deer made bad cuts in the trunks. What can we put on cuts to keep bugs and disease from getting in them.? Thank you.
view the full question and answer

Pest damage to Yaupon shrubs in Austin, TX
September 18, 2011 - I have noticed pest damage in our 4 ft. yaupon. There are circular holes eaten on 90% of the leaf growth. Trunk & branches look untouched and healthy. Could this be leafminers? How can I care for it?...
view the full question and answer

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