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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - January 18, 2016
From: Brownsville, ON
Region: Canada
Topic: Propagation, Poisonous Plants, Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs, Trees
Title: Will blue eyed grass grow under black walnut trees?
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
Will blue eyed grass grow under black walnut trees? I know the Siberian Iris is tolerant but the scientific names are not the same yet everything I read indicates that blue eyed grass is not in the grass family but it he iris family. I cannot find any information as far as Sisyrinchium is concerned.ANSWER:
The toxic substance, juglone, that is released by Juglans nigra (Black walnut) inhibits the growth of many plant species. I have not seen Sisyrinchium atlanticum (Eastern blue-eyed grass) on any of these lists, and from the types of plants found to be tolerant to juglone I suspect that Blue-eyed grass might grow well under walnut trees. But in order to bloom well, Blue-eyed grass needs sun. If your trees are tall and allow good filtered light to penetrate the canopy you can expect a nice show of blossoms.
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Blue Natives for San Antonio
June 28, 2012 - What are the best flowers or trees to buy since we are always in stage 2 and sometimes in stage 3 water conservation? I love flowers that are blue, preferably year around. THANK YOU
view the full question and answer
Flower color under large pine tree from South Elgin IL
April 05, 2013 - I have a very large pine tree that I would like to plant some flowers under. I have hostas, stonecrop and fern, but like to add some color. What do you suggest? Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Hardy plants for Oklahoma raised garden at Oklahoma school
February 12, 2014 - I am planting a raised flower bed with fifth graders. It will have a little shade in the morning and evening possibly. What plants are durable and can withstand OK summer heat. We will be planting ...
view the full question and answer
What gives the Creosote bush its characteristic smell?
August 09, 2011 - Good evening, Mr. Smarty Plants,
There is a question which I would please like to ask regarding a plant called "Creosote Bush" (Larrea tridentata)- does it actually smell like the creosote...
view the full question and answer
Chile pequin not ripening to red from Marlborough MA
September 14, 2012 - I have a healthy Chile Pequin in Marlborough, MA, flowering and fruiting profusely. But, the fruit are not ripening to red, as did their parent plants in Florida. Fruit go from green to deep purple ...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |