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_43.gif)
Thursday - July 31, 2008
From: Jackson , MI
Region: Southeast
Topic: Pests, Trees
Title: Tulip tree with white spots on leaves in Mississippi
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have a tulip tree in my yard that blooms in the spring that is about 10-15 years old. However just this past week or so we have noticed that there is lots of white spots on the leaves and the branches. And many of the leaves are also turned blackish and a sticky syrup is leaking out of them all over our sidewalk. What is happening. This is our tree right in the front of our house that we love, can it be saved?ANSWER:
Liriodendron tulipifera (tuliptree) is an excellent hardwood tree and native to Mississippi, so it should be able to do well there. Some sources tell us it suffers from no significant pests or diseases, but what do they know? Read this USDA Forest Service website Liriodendron tulipfera which lists some pests and diseases. Aphids, particularly tuliptree aphids, can build up to large numbers, leaving heavy deposits of honeydew on lower leaves, cars and other hard surfaces. A black sooty mold may grow on the honeydew. Although this does little permanent damage to the tree, the honeydew and sooty mold can be annoying. Powdery mildew causes a white coating on the leaves and is not usually harmful. Another possibility for the spots on the leaves is found in this Ohio Floriculture website on mealy bugs.
Some of the problems are more or less seasonal. The bugs and the mildew tend to flourish in hot, humid weather. Poor air circulation around the tree can be a contributing cause to mildew, so you might consider thinning the tree a little bit this winter. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center neither recommends for nor against the use of pesticides, but you might consult with your Mississippi State University extension office for Hinds County. They should know both whether there is an outbreak of problems with the tuliptree and be able to make recommendations for treatment.
More Trees Questions
Tree options for patio in Sun City West, Arizona.
January 07, 2011 - We have an area near our cement patio in Sun City West AZ where we would like to plant a shade tree. We planted a sissoo tree, but were told that the roots will damage the patio because of the proximi...
view the full question and answer
Disease or insect damage on a Mexican plum
September 08, 2013 - Help,
Our Mexican plum tree is about 13-14 years old. Earlier this year we noticed the trunk is oozing black stuff and whole branches are dying off. We have watched as our beloved tree has lost most ...
view the full question and answer
Shrub that will grow outside in Zone 5 from Millbrook NY
April 21, 2012 - Is there any shrub, tree or other sort of plant that will grow well in zone 5 in a very large container outdoors?
view the full question and answer
Japanese maple in New York
August 15, 2008 - I have a few questions: Do you know what zone Brooklyn, NY. is in? If I plant a Japanese Maple in my backyard, do you think it can tolerate almost full shade (1-2 hours of sun per day)? Also, is it...
view the full question and answer
Tilling for grass under old live oak in San Antonio
April 15, 2012 - Hi,
I have a 250+ year old Texas Live Oak. As usual, the lawn under the tree, after 18 years needs to be redone. MY QUESTION: to put down new sod the lawn company needs to till the soil about 4 t...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |