A: There are numerous lists of native plants to grow in Northeast Florida. If you are thinking about adding natives to your landscape I would encourage you to consider adding plants in small increments to determine how they will fit. In addition, ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
A: Please do not eat any of the mushrooms from your yard or those growing in wooded areas. It takes quite a bit of skill to identify edible mushrooms and I would not want any of you to end up poisoned because you made the wrong choice. The U.S. ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
A: The pest you are referring to is probably Clathrus columnatus, which is commonly called Squid stinkhorn mushroom or “Dead Man’s Fingers”. A stinkhorn grows within an enclosed structure or membrane that looks similar to an egg. ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
A: Faith M. Oi, Assistant Extension Scientist, University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology Department offers the best answer and I am using part of her response to answer your question. “…the greater risk to structures is from termites ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
Q: I’ve been told melaleuca mulch can cause allergies and smells terrible. Should we be concerned about adding it to the landscape? A: Melaleuca, Melaleuca quinquenervia, also known as punk tree, paperbark tree, or cajeput, is an invasive, ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
A: The growth is lichen which is a combination of algae and fungi which is called symbiosis. The alga provides the food and lichen supplies the protection in the form of a home. Hand pulling the lichen off could be done as the lichen is not ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
Q: I have some plant growing around my retention pond and it appears to be getting out of control. I was thinking it was some type of elephant ear. Can you identify it for me? A: Thank you for bringing in a sample. However, without realizing ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
A: Aside for letting her know the tree is on the Florida Exotic Plant Pest Council (FLEPPC) list, not really. It is on her property and most likely it came up as a volunteer. I have attached the FLEPPC list for you to look over. We should all ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
Q: One of my neighbors told me to use Dawn detergent on my tomato plants to kill the insects. Will that help? But another neighbor said I should call you. A: I am so glad you called because you can make your own Insecticidal soap by using 2-3 ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes