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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - May 11, 2015
From: Washington, DC
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Shrubs, Trees
Title: Chickasaw Plum suckering potential in Washington DC area
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
I have planted some chickasaw plums around the border of my property. My property is surrounded by a wooded area, which then opens into a golfcourse. Is there a chance that my chickasaw plums would disturb the growth in the wooded area or send suckers out onto the golf course? I like the plums but I dont want them to have an overpowering or invasive effect on my surroundings. Thank youANSWER:
Chickasaw plum is much more prone to suckering and forming large clonal colonies in the western part of its range than in the eastern US. In your area, it tends to grow as a small tree with very limited suckering. Any root sprouts that do appear on the golf course adjacent to your property will be easily dealt with by the ground crews of the golf course. The trees should have no affect at all on your woodlands.
More Shrubs Questions
Can Calycanthus floridus survive in South Dakota?
March 06, 2009 - Calycanthus in South Dakota? I've recently purchased some seeds for a calycanthus plant (floridus I think). I'm going to start them indoors but am wondering if this can survive a South Dakota winter...
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
Sumac Leaves Turning Red
November 22, 2013 - Hi, Mr. Smarty Plants,
I recently planted a flowering sumac bush. Is it normal for that plant to get fall leaf-color?
About a week after planting it, the temp reached the mid-30s, and after that, I ...
view the full question and answer
No berries on dogwoods in GA
November 18, 2010 - I have 4 native dogwood trees. I have owned the property for 4 years. They have never produced berries. Can you tell me why? are the trees male and female, and could I have all males?
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native Cleyera and Red-tip photinia
June 01, 2008 - I planted a row of Cleyera in a bed that receives sunlight for about 3 hours during the middle of the day. My problem is that a number of the plants are dying. It begins with the leaves on one small...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |