Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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?

Share

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
Not Yet Rated

Thursday - January 26, 2012

From: Hyderabad, India
Region: Other
Topic: Non-Natives, Trees
Title: Obtaining bark of Larix laricina from Hyderabad India
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I am in need of Larix laricina (Bark) for my research work. Please let me know how to procure it.

ANSWER:

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, home of Mr. Smarty Plants, deals only with plants native not only to North America, but to the area in which they grow naturally. Larix laricina (Tamarack) or American larch, as you will see in this USDA Plant Profile map grows in North America, mostly in Canada and is obviously a cold weather plant. In this article by Earl Rook, Larix laricina, you can learn about its growing requirements and botany. We learned that Hyderabad is in a hot, semi-arid climate, which would make it unlikely that this tree would survive. We also learned that propagation is by seeds and some are available from specialty nurseries online. You would have to wait a long time to get any bark from these seeds. Then, there is the problem of international control of agricultural items. We would have no information on that, you need to seek that locally. Perhaps, if you are doing research at a university, someone there could help you. As for bark, since the larch is not used for timber, it is unlikely that there is a source and the capability to ship bark. If you follow the plant link above, you will see the information on our website on the plant, and links to Google for more possible information.

Sorry we couldn't help you.

 

From the Image Gallery


Tamarack
Larix laricina

Tamarack
Larix laricina

More Non-Natives Questions

Pruning non-native peach trees in Austin
November 14, 2008 - I have 2 peach trees that are 2 years old. Last year I pruned them in February and do not want to prune them again this year. I want to cut the little sucker limbs off of them this year. When can I do...
view the full question and answer

Blueberries and non-native squash in Fort Worth
April 15, 2010 - Blueberries in North Central Texas-Fort Worth In sun or shade? Got only male blossoms on my squash last year why?
view the full question and answer

Accompanying plant for non-native dianthus in Arden NC
April 23, 2011 - Hi,I have dianthus and need a small plant-full sun to go with it down both sides of our driveway-thanks
view the full question and answer

Native plants for shade in Ennis TX
August 26, 2011 - My house faces south. The southwest side of the front yard has a Pride of Houston, Japanese Barberry, 2 crape myrtles and some dwarf yaupon hollies. The other section, divided by a stairway to the p...
view the full question and answer

Transplant time for small smoke tree from Battle Ground WA
June 01, 2014 - When do I transplant a smoke tree that is still young, about a foot high? It is too close to a fence, which I fear will be a problem as it gets big. I live in Battle Ground, WA which is zone 6.
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.