More recent horticulture questions and answers

Horticulture

Ash tree sprouting

A 15- to 20-year-old autumn purple ash tree in my backyard has wild shoots growing from the base and along the trunk. I cut them off, but they grow back. Is there any way to kill the shoots or stop them from growing?

Generally, when an ash tree begins to produce sprouts from the trunk, this is an indication of a problem higher in the tree. Often, it is the result of attack by ash borers. The borers are usually attracted to the tree because it has been weakened by yet another problem, such as transplanting stress.If the tree is producing the number of trunk sprouts that you describe, the sprouts may be the least of its problems. Check the trunk and lower limbs to look for holes and lumpy areas in the bark caused by borers.

Chris Starbuck
State Extension Specialist
Woody Ornamentals

Stapelia, the carrion plant

I have a stapelia that is overgrowing its pot. What can you tell me about it?

Stapelia is known as the carrion plant because its flowers, pollinated by blowflies, smell like decaying meat. It is considered a succulent and should be potted in a porous, well-drained medium. Frankly, they are hard to kill.

David Trinklein
Department of Horticulture

Grafting trees

I am looking for a chart that contains information about what trees have been used as a root stock and what trees have been used as scions. For instance what trees were grafted together to make a crabapple or a pink dogwood?

I am not aware of a master chart indicating which rootstocks are used for various tree species. In general seedlings of the same species are used because graft incompatibility is often a problem using trees of a different species. For crabapples, dwarfing apple rootstocks such as M 111 or M 7 are often used. Consult the Canadian Ministry of Agriculture and Food for a listing of dwarfing apple rootstocks. The more dwarfing the rootstock, the more likely it is to cause a suckering problem. Dogwoods are mostly budded on Cornus florida seedlings or sometimes on Cornus kousa.

Washington State University has a PDF file with information on rootstocks used for pear, peach and cherry.

Chris Starbuck
State Extension Specialist
Woody Ornamentals

Apple production

I want to plant a Jonah-Gold apple tree. What cultivar should I plant with it for proper pollination and best fruit production?

I suggest you contact the cooperative extension specialist located in your county or region. Ask about one of the disease-resistant cultivars such as Liberty or another of these types that might be recommended for your area. Alternatively, you may wish to contact Stark Bros. Nursery at 800-325-4180.

Michele Warmund
State Extension Specialist
Fruit

Master Gardener course

What publications do I need for the Master Gardener course?

Master Gardeners are adults of all ages who love gardening and who have previous gardening experience. They are members of the local community who are interested in lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, gardens, and the environment. When you enroll in the Master Gardener course, you will be provided with all the materials as part of the registration fee. For more information about the program visit our Web site.

Mary K. Kroening
Department of Horticulture