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)
Tuesday - August 20, 2013
From: East Northport , NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Non-Natives, Trees
Title: Non-native Japanese maple for East Northport NY
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I live in NY and I am looking to plant a Japanese maple in front of my house. It would be in front of a window so I'm thinking should I get a dwarf? Or a semi dwarf? I know I want a red color but unsure of which one to choose. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.ANSWER:
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, home of Mr. Smarty Plants, is comitted to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which those plants evolved; in your case, Suffolk County, NY on Long Island. Since Acer Palmatum (Japanese Maple) is native to Japan, North and South Korea, China, it is not in our Native Plant Database and out of our area of expertise.
According to this USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for Suffolk County on Long Island NY, you are in Zone 7b, which this article from North Carolina State University says is within the plant's normal range.
This USDA Plant Profile Map shows it growing only in Manchester and Suffolk Counties in New York, where being close to or surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean moderates the climate.
More Trees Questions
Flowering problems with Mexican Plum and Mimosa in Austin, TX
March 18, 2010 - Greetings,
My Prunus mexicana (Mexican Plum) did not produce flowers before its leaves. Can you tell me why? I was hoping to have some fruit this year.
Also, as of this morning March 13. My...
view the full question and answer
Holes in leaves of wax myrtle from Austin
April 30, 2011 - I just purchased 4 of the 5 gallon Wax Myrtles at the last spring plant sale and after planting them, they are getting eaten by bugs leaving holes in the leaves. I can't find any of the bugs doing th...
view the full question and answer
Amelanchier arborea (common serviceberry) native to Ohio
March 25, 2007 - I want to plant a row of serviceberries for the fruit. I will plant a variety that attains 6 to 10 feet. I was about to order amelanchier alnifolia var. Smokey, as it's described as having very tasty...
view the full question and answer
Can Carolina jessamine be grown in Syracuse NY?
May 09, 2010 - Hi--Can Carolina Jessamine be grown in Syracuse, New York?
view the full question and answer
Why didn't the mountain laurels bloom this year in Georgetown, TX?
June 19, 2014 - Why are the mountain laurels not blooming this year, I live in Georgetown, TX?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |