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)
Monday - May 27, 2013
From: Knoxville, TN
Region: Southeast
Topic: Edible Plants, Shrubs, Trees, Vines
Title: Fruit crops to grow in Tennessee mountains
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
My property has a lot of rock formations throughout it and has hundreds of cedars where it is not pasture. I am wanting to grow fruit trees and berry bushes but don't know what can grow in this environment. It appears that grass (hay and straw) are growing well. Question, what are the best fruit crops to grow in this type soil. East Tennessee mountains is the location of the property.ANSWER:
Our focus and expertise at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center are with plants native to North America so the recommendations I will suggest are plants native to North America, and specifically, native to Knox County, Tennessee.
Asimina triloba (Pawpaw) Here are more photos and information from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Morus rubra (Red mulberry) Here are more photos and information from Plants for a Future.
Prunus americana (American plum) Here are more photos and information from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Prunus angustifolia (Chickasaw plum) Here is more information from Floridata.
Juglans nigra (Black walnut) Here are more photos and information from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Carya ovata (Shagbark hickory) Here is more information from the US Forest Service.
Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush blueberry) Here is more information from Plants for a Future.
Vitis rotundifolia (Muscadine) Here is more information from California Rare Fruit Growers.
Castanea pumila (Chinkapin) Here is more information from North Carolina State University.
Corylus americana (American hazelnut) Here is more information from Plants for a Future.
Rubus argutus (Sawtooth blackberry) Here are more photos and information from Carolina Nature.
Rubus occidentalis (Black raspberry) Here are more photos and information from Plants for a Future.
Many common garden fruits and vegetables are not native to North American and Knox County, Tennessee (e.g., Peaches–Prunus persica–native to Asia) but will grow in your area. For information about varieties of non-native fruits and vegetables the University of Tennessee Extension Office is an excellent resource. Here is a link to a list for their publications about Gardening–Fruits. The Knox County Office also offers Fruit and Nut Tree Information.
From the Image Gallery
More Edible Plants Questions
Edible Plants of Florida
April 06, 2015 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants
My name is Gabriel Bedoya; Im anthropologist, with large experience in research of traditional culinary, symbolic systems and native kitchens. Due to my experience in those s...
view the full question and answer
Effects of Hedysarum mackenzii from Pflugerville TX
May 08, 2013 - What are the effects of Hedysarum mackenzii?
view the full question and answer
Identification of shrub/small tree with small purple fruit
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?
view the full question and answer
Garden crop to plant in July in Austin
July 16, 2010 - I've just been given access to a plot at Sunshine Gardens and must plant something within 30 days. What would be a good planting crop for the middle of July that would be successful for harvesting i...
view the full question and answer
Growing Chile Pequin Indoors
December 09, 2015 - About a year ago I visited your page and as a result I planted 8 seeds in spring 2015 from a large Chile Pequin plant that came up wild in my Cedar Park home near Austin. The last harvest was late su...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |