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Tri-Color Beech Trees #751804

Asked May 24, 2021, 1:33 PM EDT

I have a neighbor who has a well established Tri-color beech tree and some of the stems with leaves are returning to the normal green color. Why does this occur? What can they do?

Jackson County Michigan

Expert Response

Cultivars, like this tri color beech, often first show up as mutations in parent plants. They are then propagated out into cultivation because of some desirable characteristic. Reversions do sometimes happen in cultivars of plant - it is reverting to a different form. Probably something more similar to it's parent plant. 

The best thing to do is to prune out the branches that are reverting. 

I have a couple more questions for you-
Why might a wisteria not bloom. I was asked by someone who has a 20+ old wisteria and it has never bloomed. Any suggestions?  It is planted near their home facing south but does have some shade periodically from a large tree nearby. 

What is the best way to rid of poison ivy in a garden bed of pachysandra? 

Thank you, Mary

Mary C. Belknap, Ph.D.

Spring Arbor University Education Professor/Consultant/Early Childhood Specialist

Website: http://MaryBelknap.weebly.com/

“Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible.” –  Anonymous

"The greatest legacy we can leave our grandchildren is happy memories."

"Only the recognition of human dignity in everyone can make possible the common and personal growth of everyone"  Compendium #145




On Wed, May 26, 2021 at 9:14 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2021, 7:57 PM EDT

Things like insufficient sunlight, pruning or soil conditions/fertility may affect flowering. Wisteria do benefit from annual pruning. It is recommended you prune after the plant has bloomed, otherwise you may be removing flower buds. I would also ask if this person applies nitrogen fertilizer and how much, as this may cause more foliar growth versus flowering. 

Managing poison ivy in a pachysandra bed can be challenging. This is because the most effective herbicides for poison ivy, such as triclopyr and glyphosate, can affect pachysandra. This article outlines some of the management options: Poison Ivy in Michigan

One option is to use spot treatment and make sure your application only touches the poison ivy plants. There are some "precision gels" out there with glyphosate as the active ingredient (they are in tubes that kind of look like deodorant) that can help you spot treat only the poison ivy. It may take repeat applications. If you choose to use a herbicide, you must follow all directions on the label. 

One other option is to hand pull using proper personal protective equipment. It is important to cover all exposed skin and wear gear such as gloves, goggles, long sleeve shirt and long pants, and to place the plant material in a bag and then into the trash. You may consider hiring a professional who has the proper PPE to remove the plants (MNLA Business Directory for local landscape management companies). 

Wow...great response time and thank you so much. 

Mary C. Belknap, Ph.D.

Spring Arbor University Education Professor/Consultant/Early Childhood Specialist

Website: http://MaryBelknap.weebly.com/

“Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible.” –  Anonymous

"The greatest legacy we can leave our grandchildren is happy memories."

"Only the recognition of human dignity in everyone can make possible the common and personal growth of everyone"  Compendium #145




On Tue, Jun 1, 2021 at 8:24 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2021, 9:15 AM EDT

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