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.
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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.
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Thursday - June 01, 2006
From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shrubs, Trees
Title: Hill Country natives for a hedge
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Can you recommend a "hedge type" bush to use in lieu of a fence along the road in the San Antonio region? My whole back yard is planted with Hill Country natives and I would prefer to keep the theme! This area would get full sun unlike the rest of the yard. Help! My husband is looking at Home Depot!ANSWER:
Well, we have a bunch of plants to recommend to keep your husband from buying something nonnative! We have 5 good condidates for you, all evergreen. all are deer resistant and all but the Cenizo and the Texas Mountain Laurel produce berries that are used by wildlife.
Agarita (Mahonia trifoliolata)
Cenizo or Purple sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)
Evergreen sumac (Rhus virens)
Texas mountain laurel ( Sophora secundiflora)
Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria)
You can find nurseries that specialize in native plants for your area by searching in our National Suppliers Directory.
More Trees Questions
Cedar elm with brown leaves
August 12, 2011 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, We feel we may have limited time to save our beautiful Ceder Elm. We have many trees in our yard (Post Oaks and Cedar Elms) and have been told they are all between 50 - 75 year...
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Trees for clay soil from Charlotte TX
August 25, 2013 - We have an area in our yard that even Esperanzas won't grow. It is near another that does great. Six Esperanzas are planted in a north/south row about with 10' between plants, the southern most plan...
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Possible fungal infection of oak trees in Mastic Beach, NY.
June 19, 2012 - Sir,
I have a yard full of HUGE Oaks. The one in question is about 80' tall 48" in diameter at the base. They are all well maintained fed and trimed and elevated every 3 or 4 years. About 4 years a...
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Native trees for small backyard in California
May 28, 2008 - I have a small backyard and very close to my neighbor. I want to plant trees that grow 15/20 high that can work as a screen although I have to be very careful with invasive roots. Also I have two sma...
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City tree ordinance information
January 10, 2010 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I am writing to you in regards to city tree ordinances. I am a citizen of Grand Prairie, TX. and although the city is a Tree City, the city does not have a tree ordinance. T...
view the full question and answer
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