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)
Friday - February 20, 2009
From: Laredo, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Pests, Transplants
Title: Pest on leaves of native Texas persimmon in Laredo, TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have a transplanted a Texas persimmon tree from the wild. It has some globes in the leaves. It seems like some pest injected something from underside of leaves. Any suggestion? What is happening to my tree? By the way, it is a beautiful 8 ft. tree.ANSWER:
First, congratulations on successfully transplanting a Diospyros texana (Texas persimmon) from the wild. This is not easy, as it has an awesome root, but apparently you did very well. When we did research on this plant, we learned that it is extremely disease-resistant and has few pests. none normally serious. It sounds like you have some insect-produced galls, which are unsightly but rarely dangerous. This About.com website Dealing with Leaf Galls likened them to insect bites on a human-leaves a little bump, irritating, but then it goes away. Spraying the galls is not useful, because by the time you see the gall, the insect is long gone. Since we are not entomologists, we would suggest you contact the Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension Office for Webb County. They may know if there are similar problems in your area, and can suggest control, if you feel the problem is serious enough to warrant that. If you do spray, it will have to be in the early Spring, when the insects are still around.
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Oak roots damaged by ax from Austin
July 03, 2013 - Hello. I am attempting to create my own tiny copy of the Wildflower Center within my yard. I'm using all native, drought tolerant plants. My front yard is full of live oaks. I used a sod cutter la...
view the full question and answer
Disease-resistant squash varieties for Central Texas
February 03, 2008 - Can you give me names of some disease-resistant summer squash varieties available in Central Texas?
view the full question and answer
Oak root resistant hedge for Southern California
December 28, 2013 - I live in Southern California and my cypress hedge has oak root fungus. What kind of hedge can I plant that will grow fast and be resistant to the fungus?
view the full question and answer
Brown flakes on prickly pear in Los Angeles
June 03, 2008 - I live in Los Angeles CA. I have desert type plants in my landscape. I have prickly pear cactus that have developed some light brown, almost golden flakes on the skin of the pads. I believe it is call...
view the full question and answer
Webs on tree trunk, probably bark lice
August 19, 2009 - webs on tree trunk and creeping up. See no spiders or worms. what could be. very fine, thick web
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |