Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Friday - August 17, 2012
From: Fayetteville, TN
Region: Select Region
Topic: Invasive Plants, Non-Natives, Trees
Title: Controlling seeding of non- native, invasive Paulownia from Fayetteville TN
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
My husband planted a Paulownia tree against my advice about eight years ago. This summer it has huge seed pods. How do I keep the seeds from invading the wooded area of our property?ANSWER:
Time machine. Go back 8 years ago and make it clear to your husband that the tree goes or you do. We know of no way to keep seeds from going where they wish. And sprouting. And damaging your wooded area.
We would begin by going to the source and getting rid of the original tree and any others that have sprouted. Then, vigilance. You will have to learn what the early seedlings look like and snatch them out of the ground as quickly as they sprout. This could take years, but compared to the damage they could do to the wooded area, you will probably feel it's worth it. Here are some previous answers on Paulownia from Mr. Smarty Plants. We are sorry you didn't find us 8 years ago when you really needed us. Each link has others and some may be duplicates.
More Non-Natives Questions
Non-native, care for Jade plant.
June 22, 2009 - I've had a jade plant for 5 years and it has done well, even though it was in a plastic pot with regular soil. I need to repot it and it was recommended I use a clay pot and a soil made for succulen...
view the full question and answer
Survival of non-native Cape Plumbago in Delaware
October 18, 2008 - I have a cape plumbago shrub growing in a large pot outdoors - but we are in Delaware - where it won't apparently survive the winter. How can I keep my plumbago safe over the winter?
view the full question and answer
Planting petunias around base of oak tree from Houma LA
March 30, 2013 - I live in south Louisiana and I want to plant petunias. Can I plant petunias around the base of an oak tree?
view the full question and answer
TIF 419 Bermudagrass vs. Zoysia
September 03, 2008 - I'm currently faced with the decision to sod my yard with TIF 419 or Zoysia. Zoysia is double the price so my knee jerk reaction is to go with Bermuda. Proponents of Zoysia claim it requires less m...
view the full question and answer
Red pods on Canna Lilies from Windsor VA
July 21, 2013 - What are the dark red pods on my canna lilies?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |