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
Tuesday - April 02, 2013
From: Dripping Springs, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pests, Shrubs, Trees
Title: Bugs eating new growth on Mountain Laurel shrubs from Dripping Springs TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
What is eating the new growth on my mountain laurel shrubs? One plant has red bugs and the other has black (could they be love bugs?). Is there something I can do to preserve the new growth?ANSWER:
One bug (called a "midrid") is the Red Mountain Laurel bug or Lopidea major. The link takes you to a Bug Guide page with pictures of this beastie.
Here is a previous Mr. Smarty Plants answer on that subject; follow whatever links are in that answer.
The only other major pest on Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain laurel) that we could find is the Genista caterpillar. That link goes to the Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension IPM on Genista Caterpillar on Texas Mountain Laurel.
More Trees Questions
My newly planted Redbuds are not doing well.
June 24, 2009 - I ordered and received 2 Red Bud trees from one of the popular ordering houses. They explained that they were dormant and not dead, and gave us instructions on how to plant them, which we followed. Th...
view the full question and answer
Precautions regarding pruning live oaks in the Austin area.
October 27, 2015 - Is it still recommended that we clean pruning shears and spray wounds when pruning live oaks in the Austin area?
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native Callery Pear tree from Louisville KY
June 03, 2013 - I have a Cleveland select that has a bark issue. It is on its second season and I just saw this. It looks like the bark is bubbling up kinda and then wants to peel off the main trunk. I have a picture...
view the full question and answer
Privacy hedge for South Dakota
August 08, 2008 - Hi, I'm looking for something to use as a hedge. 8 foot or so tall offering semi privacy all year. I like dogwoods but loss of leaves in the winter makes me skeptical. Boxwood would be interesting...
view the full question and answer
Plants to grow under elm tree in Amarillo TX
May 01, 2014 - I have a large elm tree and I can't get seem to get anything to grow under it. I was wondering if there are any shade-loving groundcovers that you would recommend (have tried English Ivy, hostas, an...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |