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)
Wednesday - October 03, 2007
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Webbing on the bark of a hackberry tree.
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants. We have a large hackberry tree in our back yard that has what appears to be extensive spider webbing covering large areas of the bark at the trunk . . and extending well up the larger branches of the tree. Is this spider related . . . or could this be a fungus of some sort?ANSWER:
Your tree is probably playing host to a colony of harmless creatures called bark lice. Bark lice are in a group of insects called Psocids. In spite of their name, they pose no threat whatsoever to humans, pets or your trees. Psocids feed on mold, pollen, lichen, algae and decomposing plant matter. Much more common in Southern coastal areas, bark lice need high humidity to survive and thrive. With the arrival of a dry front the bark lice and their webs will disappear within a few days.More Trees Questions
Shade trees for Tucson AZ
May 25, 2012 - I need to plant some "fast growing" trees or shrubs on my southwest yard in order to reduce the heat in my bedroom. What do you suggest?
I live in Tucson, Arizona.
Thank you in advance. I'm...
view the full question and answer
Manzanita Not Growing Well
July 11, 2016 - Dear Mr Smarty Plants, I have a four native Dr. Hurd manzanitas growing in my yard, which I planted three years ago. Three seem quite happy with lots of foliage. The fourth has foliage only on this ye...
view the full question and answer
Native trees as alternatives to Japanese Red Maple
October 24, 2007 - Where can I find some Japanese Red Maples to collect seed?
view the full question and answer
Fast growing shade tree for Goldsboro NC
February 04, 2013 - What is a good tree to plant in Goldsboro North Carolina to provide shade and a fast growing tree?
view the full question and answer
Annuals victims of allelopathy under a hackberry tree in Franklin TN
August 03, 2009 - In our new home's back yard we have a 30' hackberry tree that's less than 20' from our house, on the NW side. I planted your typical shade annuals, impatiens, etc., in the mulch bed under the tre...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |