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)
Wednesday - November 09, 2011
From: Fredericksburg, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Compost and Mulch, Diseases and Disorders, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Native Grass is Falling Over
Answered by: Mike Tomme
QUESTION:
Hi Mr. Smarty Plants, I've tried to find this answer but am stumped as to the cause. We live in Fredericksburg, TX and have several different tall grasses, Yellow Indian grass, Little Bluestem, wire grass. Some have done very well this year. Others, especially the wire grass, have fallen over or lodged. They are growing, but aren't reaching for the sky like the others. All get the same amount of water, sun and no amendments. Several that are falling over are in the same bed as the ones that aren't. Can you tell me why? We water about 1" a week. Thank you very much!!ANSWER:
The Native Plant Database identifies three grasses that go by the name wiregrass; Aristida beyrichiana (Beyrich threeawn), Aristida stricta (Pineland threeawn) and Nassella tenuissima (Mexican feathergrass). The first two occur in the pine woodlands of the southeast United States and are not native to Texas, so Mr. Smarty Plants suspects you are talking about the third. This is a very widely used plant in central Texas landscapes.
It's always hard to guess what the problem is with a plant when you can't see it (and often when you can see it), but let's start with the basics. Here is what the Native Plant Database has to say:
"Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Dry
Soil Description: Well-drained, acid or calcareous sands, loams, or clays.
Conditions Comments: Requires good drainage and cant take excessive moisture. Should not be watered heavily more than once a week. Goes dormant during drought and in winter. May rot under heavy mulch. Grows well in containers."
Usually, the problems with this plant result from too much water or poor drainage that can be exacerbated by heavy mulch. It doesn't sound like you are overwatering at one inch per week, but you might check to make sure your soil is drying out between waterings.
You will also note that the plant goes dormant during drought. During this past summer in central Texas lots of these plants around town fell over or otherwise went dormant.
Another possible explanation is that some plants are just less vigorous than others and you may have some that are simply predisposed to being small.
My advice right now is to keep up your watering schedule, make sure they are not too heavily mulched and see if the cooler weather brings some improvement.
From the Image Gallery
More Compost and Mulch Questions
Stumps of fallen oaks in Hurricane Irene from Newton PA
September 03, 2011 - Two large red oaks fell in the woods in our yard in Newtown PA due to Hurricane Irene. The trees have been removed, but the stumps remain. Please can you recommend some fast-growing, attractive, nativ...
view the full question and answer
Wilting stems on beautyberry in Georgetown, TX
August 16, 2009 - Last summer I discovered that a 4-year old beautyberry had one (of many) stems that died. Leaves on this single stem wilted and dried up. This year the same happened to two or three stems. The rest of...
view the full question and answer
Wax myrtle problems from Driftwood TX
September 04, 2010 - We planted 27 wax myrtles on the perimeter of our property last year and were diligent about watering them throughout the drought. They are in very rocky soil (we had to use a jackhammer to dig the ho...
view the full question and answer
Transplanting honeysuckle bush in Illinois
April 18, 2009 - Want to transplant 3 honeysuckle shrubs 10 to 12' tall this month, although not the best time. Please advise.
view the full question and answer
Flowers for sunny and shady gardens in Cedar Hill TX
March 30, 2010 - Last year I spent way too much on flowers for my sunny and shady flower beds. They all died from the heat, even after constant watering. What flowers could I plant in sunny and shady flower beds that ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |