Native Plants
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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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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Thursday - June 18, 2015
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Pruning, Edible Plants, Trees
Title: Pruning non-native peach in Austin, TX.
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
I planted two five gallon Texas Star peach trees last February but didn't have the nerve to prune them back to knee height. After having been convinced that this is a good thing to do, I'd like to know if it is too late to do it now at the beginning of June. I live in Austin, TX.ANSWER:
'Texstar' peach is a cultivar of the Old World fruit tree, Prunus persica. The focus of research and the extent of expertise of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is limited to those plant species native to North America. So, your question is outside of our purview.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has many resources designed to help home gardeners with the culture of peaches and other fruit crops. Contact your county's AgriLife Extension Service office for more information. A particularly good AgriLife Extension publication on peach growing that's available online is Peaches.
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March 07, 2014 - I am planning an edible forest garden for northern Minnesota. Can you suggest a list of plants that are native to this area. We are in zone 3a or 3b. Thank you!
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July 31, 2013 - Hi! I have a tree/bush that has come up on its own in the backyard. This year it set what looks like small purple plums. Is there any chance that they might be poisonous?
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December 24, 2012 - What native wild plums will grow in southern Johnson County? And where can I find the trees locally?
Thank you
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