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_40.gif)
Tuesday - June 08, 2010
From: Lowake, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation, Transplants, Trees
Title: Transplanting native yaupon into yard in Lowake TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have lots of wild yaupon in my pasture,can I transplant it to the yard?ANSWER:
Ilex vomitoria (yaupon), while a very sturdy native plant, is sometimes considered a "nuisance" plant on properties; however, it is a versatile plant that tolerates drought and poor drainage, This USDA Plant Profile does not show it growing in Concho County, northwest of Austin, but it obviously does, if you have it in your pasture.
From a previous Mr. Smarty Plants answer:
"According to Jill Nokes in How to Grow Native Plants of Texas and the Southwest:
"Most holly species are frequently and successfully transplanted from the wild or from field-grown nursery operations in the winter...."
Ilex vomitoria (yaupon), a member of the Family Aquifoliaceae (Holly Family), should readily transplant. The time to do this is now, mid-winter. It is very important, of course, to get as much of the root ball as possible when you dig up your trees. Here are some other tips in Transplanting Trees and Shrubs, from the About.com: Landscaping, and How to Transplant a Young Tree from wikiHow."
Note that this says they should be transplanted in mid-winter, especially in Texas. While this plant is often referred to as a "coastal" plant, or one able to live in swamps, we feel sure it could do well on the Edwards Plateau, where you are located. Just don't try to transplant it in the heat of the summer.
From our Native Plant Image Gallery:
More Transplants Questions
Transplanting crabapple tree from root sprouts
March 24, 2005 - I have a Crabapple tree that is sending up sapling shoots.
Can these be dug up and planted?
view the full question and answer
Hummingbird plants and Indian Hawthorn
May 13, 2008 - I live in The Woodlands in a new section of homes. I planted some hummingbird plants in full sun and they did ok last year for 4 months, then lost all their leaves and died when the winter came. At ...
view the full question and answer
Transplanting non-native yellow lantana in Emerald Isle, NC
August 22, 2010 - We live in Emerald Isle, NC. Can we transplant yellow lantana? It is not really a perennial but appears to be one at the coast. If so, when do you transplant?
view the full question and answer
Possibility of growing Buckleys yucca in South Carolina
February 03, 2008 - I live in Lexington, SC. I am wondering if I can grow Buckley's yucca (yucca constricta) here and if so, where can I purchase the seeds or plants? I am from Texas and we are trying to create a "we...
view the full question and answer
Possumhaw losing leaves in Liberty Hill, TX.
July 11, 2011 - I have two female possumhaw trees and one of them is losing its leaves. I planted both of them in February and they were doing very well, getting green and full. What's happening?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |