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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

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.

Search Smarty Plants

See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer

1 rating

Monday - May 11, 2015

From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Power line friendly tree for Houston, TX
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

Can you recommend a fast-growing, drought tolerant tree (preferably native) to plant next to a driveway that will provide shade on the southern elevation of a one-story bungalow and also not interfere with the power lines that run parallel to the very near sidewalk and street? Palm tree was recently cut down by power company and summer will arrive in about two months! I'm thinking about either a Texas Redbud or a Jacaranda (non-native) might do the trick. Not looking at trees that might be poisonous to dogs or children. The yard is very narrow, only 15' deep at most, but the palm was planted in a small strip on the other side of the driveway.

ANSWER: