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)
Thursday - February 10, 2011
From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Planting, Transplants
Title: Possible transplant shock in recently planted Anacua in San Antonio, TX.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I planted an Anacua tree from a nursery this past November. The tree I purchased was about 6ft tall and was a leftover from the spring. The roots were pretty wound up inside. After shaking the roots loose, I planted it in some bulk garden soil from Gardenville, added some root growth liquid that the nursery had suggested, and watered it. Shortly after, the sparse leaves that it had turned brown on the tips and fell off. The branches are not brittle. Did I kill my tree or did it just lose its foliage due to stress and come back in the spring?ANSWER:
Anacua Ehretia anacua (Anacua) is a sub-tropical, evergreen or partly deciduous ornamental in Texas. It is hardy in dry areas, and checking the USDA County Dristribution Map indicates that you have it growing in the right area. Check the Soil Description and the Conditions Comments on the Native Plant Database page to see if it is in the right kind of soil.
The first thing that comes to mind is transplant shock. You had a root-bound tree that is now adjusting to its new surroundings. To determine if it is still alive, do the "thumbnail test". Scratch off the bark on an upper limb with your thumb; if you find green tissue under the bark, that's a good sign. If you don't find green tissue, move further down the stem and test again. Keep repeating until you reach the bottom of the plant. If you find no green tissue, I'm afraid its "aloha Anacua".
But let's be more optimistic!
I'm including several links dealing with transplant shock (how to prevent it and treat it), proper tree planting techniques, and care of saplings. One of the most common mistakes is overwatering newly planted trees.
Transplant shock
Tree Planting
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Peach tree problems in Long Island, NY
June 16, 2008 - This year my peachtree is bearing fruit for the first time. I live in Long Island NY. I notice a sap on the bark near the soil. Also some leaves are getting disease looking and some peaches are loo...
view the full question and answer
Picture of fungus on winecups in Taylor TX
May 10, 2010 - My error!
I rated your answer to my question as 3 stars. I did not know how the rating worked and I accidentally chose 3. Your response was great. I would like to send you a picture of the spores/f...
view the full question and answer
Need to find a place to buy Western Soapberry in Paris, TX.
May 05, 2012 - Where is the closest place to purchase a Western Soapberry tree?
view the full question and answer
Precautions regarding pruning live oaks in the Austin area.
October 27, 2015 - Is it still recommended that we clean pruning shears and spray wounds when pruning live oaks in the Austin area?
view the full question and answer
Small tan balls on oak from Pipe Creek TX
May 21, 2014 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, our spanish oak is growing tan colored lumpy balls about the size and weight of a marshmallow..sometimes just one at the end of a short stem and sometimes 2-3 clumped together....
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |