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

Thursday - November 14, 2013
From: Anaheim, , CA
Region: California
Topic: Trees
Title: Shade tree for Southern California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I had to cut down my huge ficus tree for several reasons, however it provided lots of shade, that we miss. Can you help me find a good shade tree with non-invasive roots that is good for growing and planting in Anaheim, California?ANSWER:
Below are several trees that will grow in your area of California and make a good shade tree. The CalPoly San Luis Obispo references give information about the invasiveness of the roots of the plants as well as other useful information.
1) Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. aspleniifolius (Fernleaf catalina ironwood) is evergreen.
Here is more information from CalPoly San Luis Obispo and from Las Pilitas Nursery in Santa Margarita and Escondido.
2) Platanus racemosa (California sycamore) Here is more information from CalPoly San Luis Obispo.
3) Pinus coulteri (Coulter pine) Here is more information for CalPoly San Luis Obispo with photos.
4) Quercus engelmannii (Engelmann oak) Here is more information from CalPoly San Luis Obispo with photos.
5) Pseudotsuga macrocarpa (Big-cone douglas-fir) Here is more information from CalPoly San Luis Obispo with photos.
6) Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea (Blue elder) Here is more information from CalPoly San Luis Obispo.
From the Image Gallery
More Trees Questions
Replacing mature Arizona Ash trees in Austin
August 26, 2011 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
I have 2 very large, very old Arizona Ash trees in my yard. I want to remove them and replace them with something like Cedar Elm or Chinquapin Oak. The problem is that they are t...
view the full question and answer
Dwarf golden cypress outgrowing their space
December 28, 2008 - I planted two dwarf golden cypress on opposite sides of a dwarf alberta spruce in a small bed by the front door. After 4 years I have to severely prune back the dwarf cypress in spring as they will sp...
view the full question and answer
Recently planted Chinquapin Oak with browning leaves in Marlin, TX.
July 31, 2012 - We planted a Chinquapin Oak this in March 2012. As of July 21, 2012, the tips of the leaves on the lower branches are turning brown. We cannot see any insects. There does not appear to be any fungu...
view the full question and answer
Suffering Yaupon in Austin
July 14, 2012 - I am in the Austin area and I planted a Pride of Houston Yaupon in my back yard in March. It is in full sun. Lately the leaves have been turning pale green and now they fall off the tree upon touchi...
view the full question and answer
Disappearance of leaves on desert willow in Tucson AZ
August 08, 2009 - We have a Lois Adams Desert Willow (Tucson, Az). The leaves will pump out and then a day or so later, all of the leaves are gone. The only bugs we've seen on it are very, very small ants. Could this ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |