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
Friday - November 25, 2005
From: Fredericksburg, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Viability of Desert Willow in clay soil in Fredericksburg, TX
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have recently purchased a house in a new subdivision in Fredericksburg, TX. The lot was not landscaped. I have a small lot (85 X 135), my back yard is about 50 X 85. The soil is a heavy clay. I am considering planting a desert willow. So far I have planted a few vines along the fence, planted three crape myrtles, one vitex and a few sages. I am considering planting a desert willow. I have only seen pictures of them. Can you please tell me if this might be a good choice? I have read about them in a number of sources and have not seen anything negative about them. Please let me know if they do have some negative aspects. Thanks.ANSWER:
Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) is an excellent choice. It tolerates heat, cold, and drought and will grow in most soils including the heavy clay around Fredericksburg. It is also fast growing and disease resistant; and, besides, it has beautiful flowers and interesting foliage and fruit.
More Trees Questions
Ashe Juniper not doing well in San Antonio
April 08, 2010 - A large ash juniper (mountain cedar) in my yard appears to be sick or dying. Approximately 1/4 of the canopy has very sparse needles/green foliage stuff and shaggier than normal bark. It's not brown ...
view the full question and answer
Bark problems on Platanus occidentalis (American Sycamore)
May 29, 2008 - I got home today, after two hot sunny days, and found that one of the sycamores (street tree) planted last year (3-4" caliper) has vertically split and peeling bark on the south side of the trunk (la...
view the full question and answer
Lighting for the Wildflower Center from Austin
December 16, 2012 - Hello Mr Smarty,
On a recent night trip to the Center, there was an oak that was beautifully lit for the holidays. It seemed to come from one ground light, but cast hundreds of glistening "stars"...
view the full question and answer
When does Ziziphus obtusifolia leaf and flower in Austin?
March 22, 2010 - Hello Mr. S.P.,
Do you know when the Texas buckthorn, Ziziphus obtusifolia (I believe), flowers (and leafs out) in Austin? Is there one at the Wildflower Center?
view the full question and answer
Are red berries of modesto ash toxic to dogs
November 29, 2010 - Are the red berries that come off the modesto ash tree poisonous to dogs if they eat them?
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |