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 - May 19, 2013
From: Naco, AZ
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pests, Trees
Title: Problems with Arizona Ash from Naco AZ
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Hi Mr. Smarty.. Live in southeast corner of Az. My Az. Ash is diseased. Just noticed leaves are curled, (still green) and when I open the leaf it has a zillion little white, what look like mites or aphids..or specs of coarse ground salt. My trees are four years old and luckily the other one looks OK, so far. Help me out. What kind of spray or powder would you recommend? Thank you very much,ANSWER:
This is most likely leaf-curl aphids infesting your Fraxinus velutina (Arizona ash). Here is a YouTube presentation on Ash leaf-curl aphids. Also,an article from Iowa State University Extension on Ash leaf-curl aphids. The important thing is to keep leaf litter picked up and properly disposed of in order to limit the spread of the beasties to your other ash trees.
From the Image Gallery
More Pests Questions
Control of grasshoppers from Goldthwaite TX
July 07, 2012 - How long do grasshoppers live. They are eating our flowers, plants and trees.
view the full question and answer
Identity of tiny green spiders found in Sego lilies
July 14, 2015 - Hi - I'm wondering if you can identify for me the name of the tiny green spiders that can be found inside Sego Lilies (Calochortus nuttallii). I have a photo if that would be helpful.
Thanks!!
Ca...
view the full question and answer
Using Dormant Oils in the Winter
January 20, 2015 - What are your thoughts on the use of dormant oils as part of a winter maintenance program? I live in Austin, Texas.
view the full question and answer
Controlling Cochineal Insects on Cholla Cactus
July 07, 2011 - We have cochineal insects on a cholla cactus. Will they kill the plant? What should we do to get rid of them if water spraying them won't work?
view the full question and answer
Aluminum foil disorienting insects under plants from Brierfield AL
April 20, 2011 - Does covering the ground under plants frequently attacked by flea beetles with aluminum foil really disorient the insects? But does it also disorient beneficial insects?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |