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Locust – Not Always Pests

Ask The Plant Expert: There are several of these plants growing in the same pot as my palm…..not sure what they are. Please help with identification. – R

Baby Locust Tree

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: I believe it is a type of locust. I have a twisted baby locust tree in my backyard and it looks very similar. Yours is most likely a black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). This tree can grow up to 80 feet in height and very fast. Although it is not considered a long-lasting tree, many animals especially birds use it for cover.

Hope this information was helpful. Please let me know if I can help with anything else.

What Chemical Property does this tree have?

Ask The Expert: The tree grows about 6-7 mtrs; very straight and skin is very smooth. When the leaves are chewed and digested, or boiled and drank as tea, it causes continuous diarrhea, depending on the amount taken. No other trees or plants, especially crawling plants, grow closer than 1 meter around. If any crawling plant goes any closer, it’ll eventually dry up and die. – John

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:

John, Without seeing a picture of the tree, I not sure which tree you are talking about. There is an organic compound that occurs naturally in the leaves, bark and roots of some plants. This organic compound is called Juglone. Plants that produce Juglone create a toxic environment for other plants. The Black Walnut is an example of a trees that produces Juglone. I’m not sure if Juglone causes vomiting if consumed by humans, but I do know that it is toxic to horses.

If you could send me a picture of the tree and its bark, I might be able to determine what the tree is and what chemical it produces.

What Is This Unusual Tree Found In Arkansas

Ask the Expert: What is this tree with strange fruit?

We found this tree on our new land in Arkansas and have no idea what it is, can you help us? Debbie

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:
The tree looked familiar to me, but I couldn’t quite identify it. So I turned to Neal Adams and my good friend Janet Carson (with the Arkansas Extension Service) and both believe it is a royal paulownia tree–Paulownia tomentosa.  This tree is sometimes called Royal Empress.

Janet, also, told me that they produce spikes of purple flowers in the spring followed by these woody seed capsules. When the seeds pop open they scatter seeds all over and you will find some of the most amazing sized leaves ever. They are a regular jack in the beanstalk plant when young. They bloomed the best (and at a younger age) this year than I have ever seen.

Palm-like Tree With “Artichoke Fruit” & Spikey Fronds – What Is It?

Ask the Expert: Was i bitten by a tree?

A palm-looking tree (with “fruit” that looks like artichokes) brushed its spikey frond on my bare shoulder. Immediately, it began to itch & welt. I later notice super-tiny splinters embedded into my skin where the spikes had touched. What is this? need more info on this strange tree… MM

What Is This Tree With Blue Flowers?

Ask the Expert: What kind of tree is this?

The only tree of this kind in our yard. Perplexing because it has flowers. Deva

Wisteria branch