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
Tuesday - July 26, 2011
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Rare or Endangered Plants, Trees
Title: Texas madrone trimmings for a wedding
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Looking for Texas madrone tree trimmings needed for a special wedding.ANSWER:
We believe you are mistaking Mr. Smarty Plants for a forum-type website, in which people post comments and requests. Our function is to answer questions on native plants in North America, their care and protection. We don't know of any Texas area forum where you could post your request, and believe you would have some difficulty getting anyone to give up trimmings of this tree, even if they were doing trimming in this terrible heat. It blooms white February to April, which means it is finished blooming for this year, and the foliage itself is nothing remarkable. The most noteworthy thing about this tree is its peeling bark, often revealing a red trunk, which has led to the common name "Naked Indian."
From our website on Arbutus xalapensis (Texas madrone): "Conditions Comments: One of the most interesting and beautiful native trees of Texas, but temperamental to propagate or grow. Propagation requirements are complex, and it is very difficult to transplant successfully from the wild. In the landscape, it grows best in well-drained areas."
From the US Forest Service Index of Species on Texas Madrone: "Texas madrone is listed as an endangered species by the Texas Organization for Endangered Species."
From the Image Gallery
More Trees Questions
Best time to trim oak trees to avoid oak wilt
June 08, 2008 - When is the best time to trim oak trees? Concerned regarding oak wilt if cut at wrong time. Ball moss is not harmful but will it help or harm if trees trimmed. These are large oak trees. Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Small native trees for northern Virginia
September 27, 2011 - Mr. Smarty Plants, I am looking for a native alternative to a Japanese Red Maple in northern Virginia. I would like a small tree that I can put in my front garden that will not pose a security risk my...
view the full question and answer
Should Texas live oaks be mulched under drought conditions?
July 19, 2011 - Should we mulch our live oaks in pastures for water retention?
view the full question and answer
Changing color of crape myrtle blooms
July 08, 2008 - I have 5 well established crape myrtle trees whose blooms are a very light lavender/pink color. I would like to know if there is any way to deepen or change the color of the blooms. I would prefer a m...
view the full question and answer
Aging Arizona Ash in Austin
May 04, 2014 - Mr. Smarty Plants! I live in South Austin and just bought a house with a large, 30-40 year old Arizona Ash in the backyard. When I moved in, most of the lower branches were bare and dead and so I had ...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |