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)
Monday - July 27, 2015
From: Shiro, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Rain Gardens, Propagation, Trees
Title:
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
Hi, thanks for all your help in the past! I have a generous spot in my spacious back yard that is begging to be filled. The top soil is 4" sandy loam, below which is black clay.With frog strangler rains like we've had, water can sit on the surface for two days, but it can get very dry as well. Part Sun. Dappled shade in afternoon. My considerations are these: Carolina Buckeye (which I would love to have), Eastern Redbud, or a small thicket of Roughleaf Dogwoods. Would any of these work best? Or another suggestion for something that can tolerate these extremes?ANSWER:
I really think that any of your three choices would do well in your spot. The biggest question in my mind concerned their survival after a few days of wet feet. But after researching the question on the Internet, I saw that several Internet sources claim that Aesculus pavia (Scarlet buckeye), or Carolina buckeye, as some call it, can survive wet soil for some time. Cercis canadensis (Eastern redbud) can survive brief periods of waterlogging, but can be damaged by a canker during periods of drought. Of the three, Cornus drummondii (Roughleaf dogwood) is probably best able to adapt to boggy soil as well as dry conditions.
One posssible downside to Aesculus is that it tends to drop its leaves in midsummer drought periods. A plus for Roughleaf dogwood is its bird-friendly berries.
No matter which you choose, it would be wise to dig a hole at least two feet deep and thoroughly mix the clay and sandy loam, also adding some good compost. All the species appreciate good drainage. Our website has tips on planting trees.
It would be best to wait until cooler weather in the Autumn. The trees should be available from one of your local plant nurseries.
From the Image Gallery
More Trees Questions
Mail order source for Guaiacum angustifolium from Ft. Worth TX
April 16, 2014 - Do you have a mail order source for the seeds of Guaiacum angustifolium? I have looked extensively and cannot find one.
Thank you!
view the full question and answer
Should Texas live oaks be mulched under drought conditions?
July 19, 2011 - Should we mulch our live oaks in pastures for water retention?
view the full question and answer
Fast growing native trees for Manor,TX
August 04, 2005 - A friend wants to plant fast-growing trees to disguise a road on ranchland east of Manor, Texas. Any ideas? Many thanks.
view the full question and answer
Possible reasons for early leaf drop of post oaks in Austin
October 27, 2004 - I have a post oak tree in my back yard that has been losing its leaves since mid-September. This is my first year in the house, and I am surprised that the tree would lose its leaves while the temper...
view the full question and answer
Fruiting times of native trees and shrubs in the Pacific Norhwest
December 30, 2013 - I am looking for information on fruiting/seeds/nuts times of native trees and shrubs in the Pacific Northwest. Obviously they fruit after they bloom but all I can find is very general information such...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |