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)
Sunday - September 19, 2010
From: Horseshoe Bay, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Dying branches on non-native buddleias in Horseshoe Bend TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Our Black Knight buddleias are developing branches that die. The leaves just turn brown and the whole branch dies then another and finally the whole plant dies. Do you know what could be causing this? ThanksANSWER:
There are 5 members of the Buddleja genus listed in our Native Plant Database as native to North America, and all 5 are also native to Texas. The Buddleia davidii is native to China and Japan, and therefore falls out of the range of expertise of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, which deals with plants native not only to North America but also to the area in which they are being grown. 'Black Knight' is a trade name for a selection of Buddleia davidii.
This article from Floridata Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' will give you some information on care of the plant. From the US Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, you can find material on pests and diseases of this plant. In particular, note this extract from the article:
"Pests and diseases: Buddleia have very few pests but are susceptible to caterpillars, weevils, mullein moth, spider mites, fungal leaf spots and dieback."
After reading these articles, you will likely find that the soil or excess moisture in the soil with poor drainage is causing your plant problems.
Pictures of native Buddleja from our Native Plant Image Gallery:
More Non-Natives Questions
Competition for sun between non-native loquat and Carolina laurel cherry in San Antonio
October 27, 2010 - I have planted 2 Prunus caroliniana (Carolina laurelcherry)along my north side fence. I just learned my neighbor has planted a Loquat tree on the other side of the north facing fence. He told me that...
view the full question and answer
Non-native Filaree seeds for science classroom
May 30, 2008 - Can I purchase Filaree seeds for my science classroom?
If so, where?
view the full question and answer
Removal of non-native zoysia grass from Burgettstown PA
September 12, 2013 - What is the most effective method of killing zoysia grass? We bought a house that sits in the center of four acres of mature zoysia. It looks beautiful, however, despite our best efforts at "weeding...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native African violets from Mason OH
May 18, 2011 - I have had 3 african violets for at least 4 weeks. I continue to water them and have moved their location. They continue to have wilted leaves. Are they done for or is there something I can do to g...
view the full question and answer
Care for non-native indoor plants
October 20, 2007 - My cousin in Pa. asked me to see how to care for 2 plants in the winter. The first is a Voo Doo Lily and the second is a Bengal Tiger plant. If you would please help I would be able to pass it along...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |