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.
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.
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Thursday - April 23, 2015
From: Deer Park, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Compost and Mulch, Diseases and Disorders, Herbs/Forbs, Trees
Title: Ground Arizona ash wood suitable for mulch?
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
We cut down a 40 year old Arizona ash tree and had the stump ground into mulch. Can we use this mulch in our vegetable garden and flower bedsANSWER:
I do not believe there is anything toxic about mulch made from ground Fraxinus velutina (Arizona ash) wood. I would have only one reservation. Arizona ash is susceptable to anthracnose fungal disease. If you suspect that your ash was infected with this fungus you might not wish to risk transferring the disease to flowers or vegetables. Otherwise it should be good mulch.
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