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_43.gif)
Monday - June 03, 2013
From: Louisville, KY
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Non-Natives, Diseases and Disorders, Trees
Title: Problems with non-native Callery Pear tree from Louisville KY
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
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 if that would help. Thanks!ANSWER:
When you said you have a "Cleveland select" we weren't sure if that was a ballplayer or what. Then you said it had a bark issue, so we searched the Internet on "Cleveland select tree" which yielded the information that there is a tree named Pyrus Calleryana (pear tree) which has a cultivar named "Cleveland Select." Another quick Internet search revealed that Pyrus calleryana is native to China and Japan. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, home of Mr. Smarty Plants, is dedicated to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which that plant is being grown, so we can't help you with this problem.
From Ohio State University this article Pyrus calleryana will give you some information on the tree. We would suggest you either contact a local registered arborist or the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Office for Jefferson County.
Oh, and sorry, we no longer are able to accept pictures.
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Smarty Plants on arborvitaes
March 28, 2005 - Hello,
I live in Allentown, PA and have a 7-foot arborvitae shrub in my backyard, planted in the corner of the yard where a wood fence intersects with the brick wall of the garage. I have had ma...
view the full question and answer
Red and black bugs on hibiscus
June 19, 2009 - I can't get your Keyword search to work.. I have tiny red and black bugs on my hibiscus. I have tried 2 different garden sprays and neither seems to kill the tiny bugs. They barely move on the pla...
view the full question and answer
Can a Quaking aspen grow in central Texas?
August 11, 2015 - I live in Austin and like the idea of a Quaking Aspen tree. I live on a creek and the tree(s) would get good sun and water.
Am I crazy?
view the full question and answer
Leaves dropping on native Texas Mountain Laurel in San Antonio
September 20, 2008 - Please help. We have a beautiful TX Mountain Laurel in our front yard. This year the leaves are dropping like snow in the north. What do you think is wrong with our tree?
view the full question and answer
Bloom color change in Choctaw Crape Myrtle
July 30, 2007 - In 2006 my wife bought a Choctaw Crape Myrtle from a local nursery. It had a tag from Greenleaf Nursery and had several blooms in the "correct" pink color. The plant was 5-6 ft tall. It has grown...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |