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
Wednesday - July 31, 2013
From: Peoria, AZ
Region: Select Region
Topic: Invasive Plants, Non-Natives, Shrubs
Title: Problems with non-native, invasive Japanese Privet from Peoria AZ
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have Japanese Privit bushes. one out of 6 has started to grow very small leaves and does not look healthy. Moon Valley told me shortage of zinc, but that has not helped in 3 months. What can I do?ANSWER:
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, home of Mr. Smarty Plants, is committed to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which those plants are being grown; in your case, Maricopa County AZ. Ligustrum japonicum (Japanese Privet or Wax-Leaf Ligustrum) is native to Japan and Korea and is therefore is out of our range of expertise. It is considered an invasive plant according to this Invasive Plant Atlas of the Mid-South. We can, however, make one supposition about the problem you are having with it in Arizona. This USDA Plant Profile does not show Ligustrum japonicum growing in Arizona at all. That doesn't mean it won't grow there, it just means it hasn't been reported as growing there. There may be a problem with the soils or the extreme heat you experience where you are.
More Invasive Plants Questions
Eradiacation of johnsongrass along roadways
August 19, 2008 - What does latest research show on eradication of Johnsongrass along roadways?
view the full question and answer
Covering dead arborvitae with non-native ivy from Niles MI
April 14, 2013 - I have a severely thinning arborvitae hedge. It is probably too shady, but I want the privacy. I'm thinking of planting something like ivy to fill the gaps. I know it will probably kill the hedge, bu...
view the full question and answer
Planting petunias around base of oak tree from Houma LA
March 30, 2013 - I live in south Louisiana and I want to plant petunias. Can I plant petunias around the base of an oak tree?
view the full question and answer
Keeping non-native invasive bermudagrass out of yard in Austin
May 30, 2012 - My neighbor just sodded a huge lawn with Bermuda Celebration. I don't want it coming into my St. Augustine. From what I've read on your site and others, I need a deep barrier. Has anyone tried pu...
view the full question and answer
Invasives species experiment from Fairfax VA
May 09, 2013 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I have some friends that need an experiment on Invasive Species fast. They are in 11th grade at Robinson secondary school. Are you able to help? Its due in June and they don'...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |