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 - December 11, 2012
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Seeds and Seeding
Title: Agarita and Mexican Buckeye not flowering or fruiting.
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
The Greenbelt behind our home has a ton of agarita and Mexican buckeye, but they never bloom or berry. The pigeon berry is very happily doing both all year. Any suggestions for helping the agerita and Mexican buckeye? THANKS.ANSWER:
Both Agarita (Mahonia trifoliolata) and Mexican Buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa) are typically very reliable for flowering and fruiting, so you're seeing something a bit unusual. Both species flower early in spring, so it's possible cold weather could play a role in them failing to flower some years, but it is doubtful freezing would kill the developing flower buds of these plants every year. Of course, if there are no flowers, there naturally be no fruit following.
Most often, lack of flowering is an indication of too little light, in other words, too much shade. We know of no other factor that would likely be the cause of the problem.
More Seeds and Seeding Questions
Native grasses for organic farm in Elgin TX
July 22, 2014 - Hi there, I am working to restore native grasses on our certified organic farm in Elgin, TX. We raise eggs, grass fed beef, and grass fed lamb.
I am having a terrible time finding organic pastur...
view the full question and answer
Seeding success with Penstemon cobaea from Austin
June 18, 2013 - I've never had much luck in harvesting seeds from foxgloves (Penstemon cobaea, I think). Whenever I open the seed casing, the seeds inside are covered with some kind of mold. What's going on, and ho...
view the full question and answer
Starting Melochia Pyramidata from Seed
November 06, 2014 - Last year some Melochia pyramidata popped up in my yard all on its own. I was able to gather some (really neat looking) seed pods once they had dried out. I'm moving pretty soon and I'd like to grow...
view the full question and answer
Seeding the banks of a large pond
October 18, 2011 - I have a 2 acre surface pond that is mostly a hard clay bank all around. The water level is way down and I will begin filling it very soon. I need to somehow being affordable, plant something or thing...
view the full question and answer
Starting Antelope Horn Milkweed Seeds
March 08, 2013 - I recently found a sealed plastic bag containing milkweed seeds in a cabinet drawer that I had gathered more than a year ago, (maybe two years ago). These are the "antelope horn" milkweed I think it...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |