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)
Tuesday - January 14, 2014
From: Los Angeles , CA
Region: California
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Help with non-native plants in California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am growing some beads of pearl in my front yard in front of a pepper tree that has been around for over 150 years. My question is what can I do to get my beads of pearl to grow without cutting down the tree. If you have suggestions I would appreciate it. Also are there any products that you could recommend to protect the beads of pearl from the toxins of the tree? ThanksANSWER:
First of all: "The mission of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes." "Native" means native to North America. The two plants you mention in your question are NOT native to North America. Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls) is native to southwestern Africa and Schinus molle (Peruvian or California Pepper Tree) is native to Peru. Since our focus and expertise are plants native to North America, this means you are asking the wrong source for help with your problems of growing String of Pearls. Probably your best source would be contacting the University of California Agricultural Extension Los Angeles County. They work with many different types of plants—crop plants, urban horticulture, and garden cultivars—most of which are not native. Two of their divisions—Center for Landscape and Urban Horticulture and Gardening with the UC Master Gardening Program—might be the most useful. The Master Gardening program gives an e-mail address where you can ask questions about gardening. Additionally, if you search online using the scientific names of the two plants, you will find a wealth of information about both of them there.
More Non-Natives Questions
Loss of leaves from globe willows in Utah
July 26, 2008 - I have four globe willows that have been in my back yard for the past 6 years. For the past month they have been losing their leaves from the bottom up. We had aphids in some of our other trees and ...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native artichoke from El Paso, TX
May 25, 2014 - I have a five year old artichoke plant in the ground that gets sun and some shade, has plenty of fertilizer and compost. Gets enough water. It has been beautiful in years past and last year had 10 a...
view the full question and answer
Shrubs and trees over septic tank in Killen AL
May 20, 2013 - Our church has 5year old blue rug juniper, a crape myrtle and two shrubs I can't identify planted over the septic tank which is surrounded with concrete and asphalt. I am afraid these will cause a pr...
view the full question and answer
Low temperature non-native Bauhinia variegata can withstand in Florida
March 13, 2009 - I have a Bauhinia variegata,I reside in Florida. What is the temp it can withstand in winter? And if it is below freezing, what can be done to protect them from freezing?
view the full question and answer
Problems in non- native weeping willow in Spokane WA
June 21, 2010 - My wife and I have a weeping willow tree that has done well for two years. This year some of the branches are loosing their leaves in late spring in Spokane, WA. I though it was from the wind but ha...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |