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 - May 27, 2013
From: Knoxville, TN
Region: Southeast
Topic: Edible Plants, Shrubs, Trees, Vines
Title: Fruit crops to grow in Tennessee mountains
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
My property has a lot of rock formations throughout it and has hundreds of cedars where it is not pasture. I am wanting to grow fruit trees and berry bushes but don't know what can grow in this environment. It appears that grass (hay and straw) are growing well. Question, what are the best fruit crops to grow in this type soil. East Tennessee mountains is the location of the property.ANSWER:
Our focus and expertise at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center are with plants native to North America so the recommendations I will suggest are plants native to North America, and specifically, native to Knox County, Tennessee.
Asimina triloba (Pawpaw) Here are more photos and information from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Morus rubra (Red mulberry) Here are more photos and information from Plants for a Future.
Prunus americana (American plum) Here are more photos and information from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Prunus angustifolia (Chickasaw plum) Here is more information from Floridata.
Juglans nigra (Black walnut) Here are more photos and information from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Carya ovata (Shagbark hickory) Here is more information from the US Forest Service.
Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush blueberry) Here is more information from Plants for a Future.
Vitis rotundifolia (Muscadine) Here is more information from California Rare Fruit Growers.
Castanea pumila (Chinkapin) Here is more information from North Carolina State University.
Corylus americana (American hazelnut) Here is more information from Plants for a Future.
Rubus argutus (Sawtooth blackberry) Here are more photos and information from Carolina Nature.
Rubus occidentalis (Black raspberry) Here are more photos and information from Plants for a Future.
Many common garden fruits and vegetables are not native to North American and Knox County, Tennessee (e.g., Peaches–Prunus persica–native to Asia) but will grow in your area. For information about varieties of non-native fruits and vegetables the University of Tennessee Extension Office is an excellent resource. Here is a link to a list for their publications about Gardening–Fruits. The Knox County Office also offers Fruit and Nut Tree Information.
From the Image Gallery
More Shrubs Questions
Thorn bushes for a fence in Puerto Rico
November 17, 2015 - I'm looking for thorn bushes that grow in Puerto Rico. Want to use as fence to keep wild life in. Thanks, at least 5 ft tall so dogs can't get out.
view the full question and answer
Deer Resistance and Erosion Control for St. Louis County MO
January 03, 2014 - I am looking for deer and rabbit resistant native plants for erosion control on a steep ravine slope with part sun and part shade in St. Louis County MO.
view the full question and answer
Is Viburnum rufidulum monoecious or dioecious?
July 28, 2014 - Is Viburnum rufidulum monoecious or dioecious? Your database does not address this for most plants.
view the full question and answer
Transplanting adventitious shoots of a mountain laurel in San Antonio
August 20, 2009 - Is it possible to transplant branches (shoots) growing from a mountain laurel that was chopped down? Some are two years old and several feet tall (but not yet blooming) and some as small as a foot. ...
view the full question and answer
Plants for southwest Louisiana courtyard
December 29, 2009 - Hi,
I live in southwest Louisiana,very close to Texas. I would like to remove the grass in my townhome backyard (east sun exposure) and create a courtyard by adding pavers. However I am planning on...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |