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.
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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Monday - June 01, 2009
From: Pickford, MI
Region: Midwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Would mountain ash (Sorbus sp.) grow in Michigan?
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan between Cedarville (Lake Huron) and Sault Ste. Marie (Lake Superior.) We would like to plant a Mountian Ash because we love birds and they love the berries and would like to know how this tree would do in our climate. Thank you.ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants found six native trees with the common name 'mountain ash':Sorbus americana (American mountain ash) and its distribution includes Michigan. Here are more photos.
Sorbus decora (northern mountain ash) and its distribution includes Michigan. Here are photos.
Sorbus dumosa (Arizona mountain ash) and its distribution does NOT include Michigan.
Sorbus groenlandica (Greenland mountain ash) and its distribution does NOT include Michigan. Here is a photo.
Sorbus scopulina (Greene's mountain ash) and its distribution does NOT include Michigan. Here are photos.
Sorbus sitchensis (western mountain ash) and its distribution does NOT include Michigan. Here are photos.
So, Mr. Smarty Plants says "definitely yes" for the first two—S. americana and S. decora—but unlikely for the other 4 species.
More Trees Questions
Questions about care and pruning of Mexican Plum and Mountain Laurel in Austin, TX.
January 24, 2012 - I have a couple of questions regarding tree care and pruning.
I have a Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana), about 10 years old or so. I would like to prune it. Is it ok to prune now in late wi...
view the full question and answer
When and how to transplant a Texas persimmon
January 02, 2009 - When and how should I transplant a 12' Texas persimmon? How much root ball do I need to get?
view the full question and answer
Looking for a tree not toxic to horses in Pennsylvania.
May 26, 2009 - I'm sending a tree as a gift and I need to know what I can get that is non toxic to horses. Can you please suggest a few.
view the full question and answer
Over-trimming of native linden tree
November 06, 2008 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, My huge beautiful linden tree was just way over trimmed. It is planted near the house, so they cut most of the branches on that side all the way back to the trunk. I now have...
view the full question and answer
Planting fruit and nut trees in Mason County, TX
March 02, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I have 36 acres 15 miles west of the city of Mason TX. I wish to plant one acre plots of sustainable organic crops that are long term and hardy. (cost and effort not an iss...
view the full question and answer
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