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 - April 23, 2015
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Invasive Plants, Non-Natives, Trees
Title: Looking for non-native Chinese Pistache tree
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Where in the Austin area would be a good place to find a nice sized Chinese Pistache to plant in my yard?ANSWER:
Our mission at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes.
Pistacia chinensis (Chinese pistache), as its name suggests, is a native of China and East Asia and has been introduced into North America. It is also considered an invasive species so we would not recommend planting it at all. We would recommend several alternative native species to plant that create beautiful fall colors:
Rhus lanceolata (Prairie flameleaf sumac)
Acer grandidentatum (Bigtooth maple)
Quercus shumardii (Shumard oak)
You can check our National Suppliers Directory for nurseries in your area that specialize in native plants.
From the Image Gallery
More Non-Natives Questions
Difference between invasive Chinese and Japanese wisterias and native wisteria
September 12, 2014 - Dear Mr or Ms Smarty Plants,
Is there any way I can tell for sure if my wisteria is native? I bought it at a place when it was in bloom that sold a lot of native plants. I Would like to know for sure...
view the full question and answer
Apples, pears and geraniums in Kipling, Saskatchewan
March 30, 2013 - My geranium's leaves became yellow - Why? Where can I buy a good nice apple tree? Will apples and pears grow in south Saskatchewan?
view the full question and answer
Shy blooming non-native Crape Myrtle, in Littlestown Pennsylvania
July 25, 2011 - My Crape myrtle has been planted about three years, and reached a height of about 4'. It blooms late July and for the past two years, has only had one or two blooms on it. I have a lot of buds whic...
view the full question and answer
Non-native lavender for Texas in San Antonio
July 15, 2009 - I am looking for a lavender (English?) that will tolerate Tx summers, is evergreen, will tolerate some shade. I want to border a sidewalk with it. All help appreciated.
view the full question and answer
Kousa Dogwood Fruit Toxic to Dogs?
October 14, 2014 - Are Kousa dogwood berries toxic to dogs?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |