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)
Thursday - September 23, 2010
From: San Diego, CA
Region: California
Topic: Trees
Title: A suggestion for a native small tree for San Diego
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Another good suggestion for a native small tree for San Diego - Garrya veatchii - Southern Silktassle. It's really gorgeous!ANSWER:
From the USDA Plant Profile of Garrya veatchii, it apears that this plant is endemic to Southern California, including San Diego County. We have not listed it in the past because it is not yet in our Native Plant Database, which is a work in progress and always will be.
We appreciate your bringing this to our attention, and have found a couple of websites that give some more information for someone who might be considering planting it.
Wildflowers of the Santa Monica National Recreation Area Silk Tassel Bush
Las Pilitas Nursery Garrya veatchii
More Trees Questions
Is western soapberry (Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii) dioecious?
February 15, 2008 - Hi!
I found different information on the flowering habits of the western soapberry, Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii. Is it dioecious or polygamo-dioecious or none of them?
I have some little seed...
view the full question and answer
Recommend a plant similar to Corkscrew Willow for Austin, TX.
June 16, 2015 - Do corkscrew willows do well in Austin, TX? If not, can you recommend a willow like tree to plant along the banks of a creek?
view the full question and answer
Huisaches in pots from Houston TX
May 20, 2012 - I have special (and probably weird) affinity to huisaches (acacia farnesiana). As a child I used to admire the three that elegantly guarded our backyard looking almost like fingers reaching for the s...
view the full question and answer
Brown rings on grass under live oaks in Austin
June 13, 2013 - There are brown rings in the grass at the dripline on several Live Oak trees in our neighborhood. What causes this? The trees appear healthy.
view the full question and answer
Removal of invasive horsetail in Shelby Township, MI
June 19, 2009 - Please help me or direct me to who may be able to help. I have horsetail (Equisetum) invading my Blue Rug Juniper.
Please tell me what I can use to get rid of the horsetail (Equisetum) without killi...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |