Native Plants
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.
rate this answer
Thursday - November 14, 2013
From: Anaheim, , CA
Region: California
Topic: Trees
Title: Shade tree for Southern California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I had to cut down my huge ficus tree for several reasons, however it provided lots of shade, that we miss. Can you help me find a good shade tree with non-invasive roots that is good for growing and planting in Anaheim, California?ANSWER:
Below are several trees that will grow in your area of California and make a good shade tree. The CalPoly San Luis Obispo references give information about the invasiveness of the roots of the plants as well as other useful information.
1) Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. aspleniifolius (Fernleaf catalina ironwood) is evergreen.
Here is more information from CalPoly San Luis Obispo and from Las Pilitas Nursery in Santa Margarita and Escondido.
2) Platanus racemosa (California sycamore) Here is more information from CalPoly San Luis Obispo.
3) Pinus coulteri (Coulter pine) Here is more information for CalPoly San Luis Obispo with photos.
4) Quercus engelmannii (Engelmann oak) Here is more information from CalPoly San Luis Obispo with photos.
5) Pseudotsuga macrocarpa (Big-cone douglas-fir) Here is more information from CalPoly San Luis Obispo with photos.
6) Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea (Blue elder) Here is more information from CalPoly San Luis Obispo.
From the Image Gallery
More Trees Questions
Will a Texas Mountain Laurel thrive in a 4'x4'x4' brick planter. pl
September 14, 2015 - Would a Texas Mountain Laurel thrive in a 4'x4'x4'x4' brick planter with a drain at the bottom? It will get full sun all day. If not, would a Green Cloud Sage or a Waxleaf Myrtle work? Thanks!
view the full question and answer
Reducing the Height of a Redbud Tree
January 23, 2016 - We have a very large, about 15-year old, Redbud tree that is growing so tall it's obstructing our view of the river. How and when can we prune this tree back so it does not hurt the tree.
view the full question and answer
Understory trees for large trees in Austin
October 18, 2010 - I'm blessed with some beautiful large live oaks, burr oaks, and cedar elms in my front yard in southwest Austin. I'd like to plant some understory trees among them. The trees would get dappled lig...
view the full question and answer
Philadelphus ernestii under live oak in Pflugerville TX
April 05, 2010 - Will Philadelphus ernestii thrive in the root zone of live oak, or would the oak inhibit its growth? I'd like to plant it just at the edge of the canopy.
view the full question and answer
Location of Alamo fungicide kit from Georgetown TX
July 03, 2012 - Where can I buy the Alamo fungicide injection kit shown in the oak wilt video?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |