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 - June 29, 2010
From: McPherson, KS
Region: Midwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Diseases and Disorders
Title: New growth on Amur Maple turning black in McPherson, Kansas.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Re: Amur Maple bushes Approximately 2 yrs old, 4 ft tall. New growth at the end of some branches is turning black. Plants are mulched with grass clippings. We live in Kansas. Thanks for any info.ANSWER:
Your plant's distress could be caused by a number of things ranging from watering problems, to fungus or bacterial diseases, to leaf hoppers. Your best bet is to have someone take a look at the plants first hand. I would suggest contacting the folks at the McPherson County Office of K-State Research and Extension to obtain a definitive diagnosis.
This site from Clemson Cooperative Extension also has some information about diseases of Maple trees.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention that the mission of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes. The Amur Maple Acer ginnala is an introduced species from Japan and falls ouside the area of our expertise.
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Young Mexican White Oak Losing Leaves in Texas
July 13, 2016 - I have a 5 yr old Mexican white oak, 20 ft tall losing its leaves mostly at the top. They turn brown & fall off. It does not lose its leaves in the winter, right?. About 3 ft from the top down is bare...
view the full question and answer
Brown flakes on prickly pear in Los Angeles
June 03, 2008 - I live in Los Angeles CA. I have desert type plants in my landscape. I have prickly pear cactus that have developed some light brown, almost golden flakes on the skin of the pads. I believe it is call...
view the full question and answer
Palm Leaves Turning Brown
October 03, 2015 - My palm plant leaves are turning brown starting at the tip and moving down the leaf. I've changed my watering amounts, and moved it from the direct light to partial light and back. It's not by any ...
view the full question and answer
Recovery of water-stressed Agarita
August 11, 2014 - Hello! I planted a small agarita at the end of May and then
left town for six weeks. During that time it was supposed to receive weekly deep irrigations to help it establish, but it seems that som...
view the full question and answer
Catalpa and maple with dying branches in Wisconsin
July 07, 2008 - We have a northern catalpa in our front yard. It's been there for about three years now and is probably 25' high. This year it appeared to be doing great. It flowered and then all of sudden last ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |