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_00.gif)
Thursday - April 23, 2015
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Invasive Plants, Non-Natives, Trees
Title: Looking for non-native Chinese Pistache tree
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Where in the Austin area would be a good place to find a nice sized Chinese Pistache to plant in my yard?ANSWER:
Our mission at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes.
Pistacia chinensis (Chinese pistache), as its name suggests, is a native of China and East Asia and has been introduced into North America. It is also considered an invasive species so we would not recommend planting it at all. We would recommend several alternative native species to plant that create beautiful fall colors:
Rhus lanceolata (Prairie flameleaf sumac)
Acer grandidentatum (Bigtooth maple)
Quercus shumardii (Shumard oak)
You can check our National Suppliers Directory for nurseries in your area that specialize in native plants.
From the Image Gallery
More Non-Natives Questions
Leaf problems on non-native Pachira aquatica
January 31, 2009 - I have a Pachira Aquatica. I have had it for 6 months and it has been thriving and growing very tall with nice leaves. Lately some of the leaves have become mottled yellowish green and fallen off. Ca...
view the full question and answer
Apples, pears and geraniums in Kipling, Saskatchewan
March 30, 2013 - My geranium's leaves became yellow - Why? Where can I buy a good nice apple tree? Will apples and pears grow in south Saskatchewan?
view the full question and answer
Trimming non-native sago from Fresno CA
September 10, 2012 - I have a sago plant, fronds are hanging over into street, can the fronds themselves be trimmed back without removing the whole frond?
view the full question and answer
Native alternative to tulips from Milford MI
October 15, 2013 - What could be a good alternative to tulips? I have not seen a native plant quite like a tulip (except a tulip tree). A good alternative should bloom in April or May and have showy flowers. I searched...
view the full question and answer
Failure to bloom of non-native crepe myrtle
March 26, 2009 - I have a white crepe myrtle that never bloomed last year..my pink ones were beautiful. What can I fertilize with to promote blooming for the white one? And, yes, it is in the sun!
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |