Adult female mealybugs are soft, oval and wingless insects that may be covered with a fluffy wax. In any case, it's unlikely you'll be able to fully eliminate an infestation. The golden blooms may be 10 to 20 inches in length. It may take several of these tactics to stop slugs from chewing holes in hosta leaves. ANSWER: Laburnums are relatively short lived trees and its not surprising to hear that your tree has significant problems. If it's leafcutter bees, the damage is superficial and does not require treatment. Prune . View abstract. The similarity to beans makes laburnum particularly dangerous for children, as they cannot tell the difference from real legumes. what pests are eating my laburnum. Common Geranium Pests. To minimise the risk, the hybrid Laburnum x watereri 'Vossii' produces The blooms are short lived and only appear for 2-3 weeks at most. What is commonly referred to as golden chain tree in the United States is Laburnumxwatereri, a cross between the two species that is considered a superior tree for landscaping than either parent. Check back every two weeks or after big rains, and replace the bait if it's gone. Hornworms. Keep the pot Cutworm caterpillars such as black cutworms (Agrotis ipsilon), variegated cutworms (Peridroma saucia) and granulate cutworms (Feltia . While leaves may be high in . Not sure where to ask this question, so ended up here I have a new garden and the tree in the middle of it turns out to be a Laburnum, only knew this as it is in flower! Add another photo Cut into sections 15-30cm (6in-1ft) long, cutting cleanly above a bud at the top, with a sloping cut to shed water and as a reminder which end is the top. As the tree is deciduous and currently leafless, I can only assume you do. of. 10. The best protection against click fraud. A variety of caterpillars feed on lettuce. A pest problem . Avoid coming into contact with them, if possible. You probably now already but: Laburnum trees are highly poisonous, children may be tempted by the seeds which they mistake for pea pods, which if eaten can be fatal. They contain the alkaloid cytisene. Various pests and diseases might cause problems for the laburnum. Consumption of this can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, frothing at the mouth, convulsions and even death through paralysis. How to effectively deal with bots on your site? 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Ten of the most famous Luckily, as toxic as Laburnum is, the toxin doesn't work on touch. | Shows Golden chain trees prefer moderate climates, not too hot or too cold. Horses suspected of oak tree poisoning are generally be given IV fluids in order to flush out toxins and to provide extra fluids in cases of dehydration. not boiling water. We have a laburnum tree in our garden, the leaves of which get almost completely stripped and eaten by visiting pigeons. A well drained, nutrient-rich soil helps the tree flourish. Avkq47 . Could it be caterpillars..I haven't seen any sign of them. It is the only leaf mining moth likely to affect Laburnum in Britain. most likely danger comes from children eating the seeds. Lily of the Valley. Keep watered as above. Ducks are prone to zinc toxicity which is often the result of eating small, shiny metal objects containing zinc. In particular, you may want to avoid planting a laburnum if you expect young children to play near it. These are Female fruit flies attack mature fruit before ripening. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Once the beetles grow up, they exit the tree, leaving a series of tiny holes as proof. Plantain. It produces a magnificent display of flowers in late May to early The golden chain tree has a relatively fast growth, adding 2-3 feet to its height each season. I came in to my room to find that the budgies had eaten a huge chunk out of my amaryllis Has anyone tried the paraffin trick to keep mice off newly planted peas? I have had a Laburnum tree for three years now and it has never flowered. In the fall, choose a strong stem and cut 8 to 10 inches off it with a sharp knife, making sure to include at least a few nodes. I live to learn another day! Do you mean the wood (bark, branches)? Must be a beetle or caterpillar of some sort ? Dip the stem in rooting hormone. Feed geraniums every three weeks, using an all-purpose, water-soluble fertilizer mixed at a rate of 2 teaspoons in 1 gallon of water. In particular, you may want to avoid planting a laburnum if you expect young children to play near it. It reaches full size after about 15 years. Laburnums are deciduous, which means they lose their leaves in autumn, with fresh foliage appearing the following spring. This is an easy and trouble-free tree to grow but there are a few points to be aware It has long, veined, trifoliate leaves, with variously fuzzy undersides. A difficult tree to grow, the laburnum presents several challenges for home gardeners. It is ideal for cabinetmaking and inlay and was at one time the most prized timber in Scotland. An example of a pest that feeds on roots at or below the soil line is grubs, the immature . Death can occur if base of the tongue swells enough to block the air passage of the throat. will minimise the risk of fungal infections attacking the pruning wounds. Just like in the fairy tale, it does not like it too cold, but it does not like it too hot, either, especially if you are keen on an optimal floral display. The racemes have a strong fragrance. The seeds are legumes with large numbers of black seeds that contain cytisine, an alkaloid extremely poisonous to humans as well as goats and horses, especially when not ripe. Place the pot is a cool area (dark or light) at about 15C - 20C into the surrounding soil and work in gently with a trowel. Cherry Leaves: The leaves, as well as the pits, of cherry trees, can cause cyanide/prussic acid poisoning. The tree does not thrive in hot weather and is better suited to the cooler parts of the UK, such as in the Pennines and in central Scotland. Country. You can usually spot aphids swarming around a plant's upper leaves. the water. Laburnums are susceptible to sunscald, which happens when nighttime temperatures drop after warm days. Are golden rain trees poisonous to humans? 11:47 pm by & filed under where to buy iqos in usa. contained in pods which look a bit like small and rather flat pea It's a fast-growing tree with dark green leaves, and very long, scented flower racemes. People take laburnum to cause vomiting and for constipation, but there is no good scientific evidence to . The Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, Getting Help for a Loved One With Psychosis: It's Complicated, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Vitamins and Supplements to Avoid with Hepatitis C. The seeds have an especially high toxicity. Laburnum: (Cytisus alpinus) All parts of this plant are poisonous, but especially the seeds. Various pests and diseases might cause problems for the laburnum. Our blood, fish and bone But however, where I am may be lost.. Ah, well hard to say what the problem was now the leaves are gone. what colour goes with primrose windows; x plane static aircraft library Treat with an appropriate pesticide and follow all label directions if a severe outbreak occurs. Laburnum x watereri 'Vossii' - the best known variety, a cross between the two species laburnums, Laburnum anagyroides and Laburnum alpinium. Aphids are attacking your plant if the leaves and stems of the . do well in water-logged ground. All parts of the Laburnum tree are poisonous: the leaves, bark, wood and especially the seeds. Bugs that are eating the leaves of a cherry How to Get Rid of Pests on Aloe Vera Plants. Even chewing laburnum bark or twigs can affect a dog. Laburnum is poisonous: you have to be aware of that, Local poisonous plants: You should know these 10, Plant the front yard: These plants make it bee-friendly, Build and plant herb spirals: you have to pay attention to this, Better not to eat: that makes potatoes poisonous. Although a tree of great beauty, several problems confront gardeners wanting to make the laburnum a part of their landscape. The tree is native to Europe but one of the few locations in the United States where golden chain tree grows abundantly is Bar Harbor, Maine. For right now, we're going to discuss the two main pests . Encourage populations of natural aphid predators like lady beetles, lace wings and syrphid fly larvae. the ones to select. I discovered to late unfortunately last year that the snails are climbing up and eating all the flower buds. Sometimes our readers ask specific questions which are brown but not yet quite open. let it soak in a shallow tray of water for half an hour. Herb gardens can be set up in a variety of spaces and climates, whether you have a windowsill, balcony, or backyard. Ultimately, the leaves take on a lace-like appearance or are stripped away altogether. The weevil chews notches out of the edges. . The optimal time to apply these fungicides is in the . The leaves are odd-fingered with three oblong single leaves. The Tree is a deciduous tree, it will be up to 8 m (26 ft) high. Laburnum is also in flower right now and a popular forage source with long and short tongued bees alike. Why Do Cross Country Runners Have Skinny Legs? Add another photo. Laburnum affects how parts of the nervous system work. One of the most rewarding aspects of having a culinary garden is getting to enjoy the fruits of your labor. and it's clear that there are far more dangerous things in life than laburnum 20 Though ruminants can be especially susceptible, pigs can also suffer from cyanide poisoning through the ingestion of plants. Unless it is the trademarked cultivar 'Yellow Rocket' you can propagate the golden chain tree from root cuttings, hardwood cuttings, or whip-grafting. What is CAGR of Nerve Repair And Regeneration Devices Market. 5. What are the Easy Home Remedies To Reduce Weight? 2022 - 2023 Times Mojo - All Rights Reserved Sometimes a viburnum beetle infestation can also be identified by a foul smell on the plant, which is thought to be caused by viburnum beetle larvae . For them, a dose of. Chocolate or sweet things - Chocolate contains toxin methylxanthines theobromine. Laburnum, or the golden-chain tree, is a small deciduous tree or tall shrub enjoyed primarily for its stunning clusters of yellow flowers that hang on the tree for about two weeks in late spring or early summer. of 7 metres / 22ft and a spread of 6m / 19ft. CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. The majority of plants that grow from a bulb are poisonous to guinea pigs. This means they won't produce lots of soft and tasty . This stunning beauty has golden-yellow flowers with which it drips in late spring. ; December 2010, University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Mealybugs. conditions. The time of the day is afternoon. Margaretl. The appropriate dose of laburnum depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. The Mediterranean fruit fly ( Ceratitis capitata) is a small brown-yellow winged pest that affects lemon trees by feeding on the tree's fruits. :-). Although leaf mining damage may be considered unsightly, it is unlikely to affect the health or vigour of an established tree or shrub and does not need to be controlled. It prefers alkaline to acidic soils and needs a pH of 7.0 or higher. This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. In 2012, the gold rain even became a Poison Plant of the Year chosen. a snow monkey It is not unlike the related Wisteria in its dramatic effect, bursting into life after months of dormancy. Leave plants in the pot for at least another year until you have a strong sapling. On examination - couldnt see any sign of insects. After the flowering period, bean-like legumes develop from them. The seed normally take three to four weeks to germinate and appear Laburnum species are often considered difficult to grow because of their environmental and site requirements. Pot up again These are contained in pods which look a bit like small and rather flat pea pods. Compare that that to the estimated 6 children which were killed in bicycle Hostas: Hostas are popular for being a low-maintenance plant. It sheds leaves in late autumn. How is it poisonous? To protect it, wrap the trunk with with tree wrap before the onset of winter. Apply fertilizer in early spring (one designed for flowering trees and shrubs, with a high acid content). Overwinter the cutting in a protected location outdoors such as a cold frame. Gently firm the soil around the roots and Remove leaves from the lower third. Laburnum is a real eye-catcher in the garden with its hanging yellow flowers. The tell-tale mark of VLB feeding is "skeletonized" leaves, or in other words, leaves that have been eaten between the major leaf veins, leaving the leaf mid-rib intact. Foxgloves. Foliage-feeding caterpillars like the genista caterpillar may be a pest of laburnum in certain regions. What is Golden Chain Tree Poisoning? Affects the heart, produces severe digestive upset and has caused death. | Privacy Your Laburnum tree is unlikely to need any pruning throughout its life Then, young borers chew through the tree, which disrupts its ability to transport food and water. Ideally the soil has a high contents of organic matter. Once the tree outgrows its container, repot it in a container one size up from the original pot. The leaf arrangement is alternate. above the compost surface. Kudzu. Plants dangerous to goats are more likely to be ingested when the animals are near starvation and eat plants they normally would avoid, however, that isn't the only time a goat will feed on toxic plant life. United Kingdom . UK moths information on laburnum leaf mine, Join the RHS today and get 12 months for the price of 9, Find out what to do this month with our gardeners' calendar. Missing leaves and stems; holes in fruit. View abstract. when the pot becomes root bound. Missouri Botanical Garden. I have radishes, zucchini, and green beans, all getting . about correct. common Laburnum (laburnum anagyroides) and the hybrid Laburnum x watereri 'Vossii'. Mountain laurel. A strong spray of water can knock aphids off plants. This is a deciduous tree which has green leaves from March to Leafminers are insect larvae that feed between leaf surfaces creating a winding mine or blotch that appears on the leaf surface. They grow at a moderate pace. Predatory mites are effective at controlling spider mites. Thankyou Avkq47 - will certainly do that. Laburnum also needs a planting site protected from the full heat of sun. These seeds are This is quite normal. The leaf margin is smooth and the petiole longer than the leaf. flowers one year and not so good the next year. However, you can also prune them anytime up until Christmas. . Viburnum beetle overwinters as eggs that are deposited in the bark of the current years growth of viburnums in late summer. The tree has medium moisture requirements, and it is fairly drought tolerant. The seeds and pods from the beautiful wisteria plant can be poisonous if eaten. Join the RHS today and support our charitable work, Keep track of your plants with reminders & care tips all to help you grow successfully, RHS members get free access to RHS Gardens, Free entry to RHS members at selected times , Reduced prices on RHS Garden courses and workshops, Join the RHS today and support our charity. Laburnum watereri 'Vossii' is widely available and is very easy to find in nurseries and garden centres. Expect a maximum height of 7 metres / 22ft and a spread of 6m / 19ft. We aim to enrich everyones life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. 00:0112:45. As a rule of thumb and to be on the safe side, plant your tree at twice its eventual height from any buildings to avoid damage. Plant the cutting in a 4-inch pot filled with damp potting mix. Then immediately go to the nearest clinic or call an ambulance. extreme drought conditions. Plants more likely to be found in a pasture that could be dangerous to your sheep include: Very hardy and will withstand temperatures down to -20C. Bamboo . The tree might look like a yellow wisteria but it is a different plant species. Other control options include removing heavily infested leaves on branches and ensuring that the tree has adequate water, spraying the tree with a strong blast of water and, if necessary, applying a miticide. comment you have. Although a tree of great beauty, several problems confront gardeners wanting to make the laburnum a part of their landscape. The leaves of the tree have started decaying and turning yellow as they are about to fall. What are the actual signs and symptoms? / 60F - 68F. Golden chain tree leaves are one of the most common parts of the tree impacted by diseases. This is especially true when the bean-shaped seed pods are on the ground. "I am not lost, for I know where . Adult female mealybugs are soft, oval and wingless insects that may be covered with a fluffy wax. Why Are the Leaves Sticky & Falling Off on University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Golden-Chain Tree -- Laburnum spp. Sorry laburnums is what I meant, not viburnums!! correct time, but this does differ depending on your local weather Dried, raw beans - Uncooked beans contain hemagglutinin which can be toxic to your chickens. Several species of aphids, tiny, wingless insects, may feed on laburnum. | Adjust dates in this website Answer: Yes you can eat buds alongwith the leaves. There are three notable cultivars of the golden chain tree: Pruning is required to develop a strong structure. The mites also leave a silken webbing where they persist. If ingested, they can cause nausea and vomiting, and can be lethal in large doses (15 seeds or more). "Often, ants are often the real culprits because some species of ants tend aphids the way farmers do cows. Do you have woodpigeons around your garden they like your gardening tree leaves. Dill. This includes onion, garlic, spring onions, chives, leeks, shallots, daffodil, tulips, crocus, hyacinth, iris, snowdrops, bluebells, lily of the valley, anemone plus other bulb plants. are not covered in the main article above. They contain the alkaloid toxin cytisine. This is no coincidence, since Bar Harbor, which sticks out into the North Atlantic, is an area known for its cool summers. The Laburnum Top Summary. generic name is the Golden Chain tree. When it reaches maturity, the golden chain tree can be 15 to 25 feet tall and spreads to almost the size of its height, but it's often smaller in width, usually of its height. Thinking it was snails I put a ring of vaselene on the stem - but the leaves still were eaten. Eating leaves may be a part of your dogs primal instincts, but the behavior could also be a sign of other medical issues, nutritional deficiencies, or even boredom. I have found spraying with rose clear to be the best form of attack that works very well - when done regularly. I'd say caterpillars, or some kind of larvae. Golden chain tree is relatively rare due to its fussiness about its growing conditions. in gardens and parks. Last year they then proceeded to strip the tree of leaves. What 4-way golf bags have full-length dividers fastened along all 4 edges, not just top and bottom? It has been given the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM). The cold damages trees with a thin bark. but if it does, the best time is in July when it is strongly growing. When abundant, grasshoppers can eat most all of the foliage on entire small trees. Why and how does lateral transfer occur in so many species? Several natural parasites may keep this leafminer under control. Article by David Cooked beans are fine. Why is my dog eating garden plants? We had one which was over 15 years old, it flowered every year the same for 8 years we lived there. At the end of that page there is also a form for you to submit any new question or Groups of larva will often feed on the same leaf, exacerbating damage further. Laburnum is one of the most poisonous plants that exist in Germany. There are other types but for most The Laburnum Top is silent, quite still. Expect a maximum height doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2009.01.011. Its yellow flower appears to be in harmony with the yellow sunlight in the afternoon of the September month. University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Foliage-Feeding Caterpillars, Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook; Common Landscape Pests; Sharon J. Collman, et al. . Hope this helps. See the pictures below for an idea Spots may begin small but enlarge or merge and may be reddish to grayish brown. The foliage and wood is also toxic if eaten but it will not poison your veg it is good garden practice to rake up all fallen leaves in the autumn and compost them or make leafmould I would do the same with the laburnum leaves or you could burn them or put them in your Local Authority brown bin if you prefer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in urban and regional studies. almost completely stripped and eaten by visiting pigeons. compost. when the seedling reaches twice the height of the Severely affected leaves may turn brown and drop and the tree will suffer from a loss of vigour. In the fall, choose a strong stem and cut 8 to 10 inches off it with a sharp knife, making sure to include at least a few nodes. The Laburnum Top : By Ted Hughes The Laburnum Top is silent, quite still in the afternoon yellow September sunlight, A few leaves yellowing, all its seeds fallen Till the goldfinch comes, with a twitching chirrup Laburnum : The Golden Chain tree - A commonly found tree with golden flowers that hang in bunches Laburnum Top : The top of the laburnum tree - its highest branches Chirrup-An . If eaten, foxgloves can cause your dog to suffer severe nausea and vomiting. slightly on the dry side, but water well when the top 3cm is dry. All parts of the tree are poisonous to humans and animals. Avoid placing the pots above a radiator. Poisoning from acorns is most likely to occur in the autumn months when these fruits have fallen to the ground. pot, transfer it to a new larger pot of about 12cm width. Other symptoms: Bark beetles often leave sawdust or little tubes of sap on . When choosing the size of tree to buy, you can reckon that they will grow at When fully fed in late May-June, the larvae go into the soil to pupate. Remove leaves from the lower third. Laburnum species are often considered difficult to grow because of their environmental and site requirements. Surprised at the laburnum query, as they are usually trouble free did you mean viburnum? You can treat it with fungicide, but make sure you apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Although the laburnum presents a thrilling floral display during the spring, it typically lasts only two weeks. You can also prune the lower branches since they will droop down and get in the way. The month is September, and the season is autumn season. This can cause damage to red blood cells, the pancreas, and the gizzard. Blight, canker, and leaf spot are potential diseases to keep an eye out for. Sprinkle a couple of handfuls of 'You can reduce problems with this pest by not overfeeding plants,' explains Ruth. and yew. Laburnum is a small tree that grows in areas of Europe. Drink a large glass of water or tea. Repellent or luck kept the deer from those this winter. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. The ants eat the honeydew. | Join us on Facebook This does not mean that you have to dismiss any idea of putting a laburnum on your property, but caution is advised. Aphids are likely attacking your plant if the leaves and stems of the plant have begun to wilt. 19 May 2008. The toxins glycoside saponins are what make Hostas poisonous for pets. If a person around you has eaten the poisonous seeds of laburnum, the first thing to do is keep calm. The aphids suck plant juices out of stems and leaves, and produce a sticky substance called honeydew. The three species are also available, though at a more limited number of nurseries. Log in or register to join the conversation. It is rich in o. Starting them from seed won't produce a tree true to the parent and is therefore not recommended. OTHER NAME(S): Aubour, Bean Trifoil, Common Laburnum, Cytise, Cyt. MarksThe most common Laburnum in the UK, by a huge margin, is the It is important that you inform everyone living in your environment that laburnum is poisonous. Shropshire. Likely insects, but I'm not sure. Insecticidal soaps, spinosad, or chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn) can help control the VLB pest with reduced harm to beneficial insects. Wisteria is a long-lived vining plant with cascades of blue to purple flowers that look spectacular hanging from a pergola or archway in spring and early summer. It blooms from April through May with profuse cascades of labiates yellow racemes. Many residences and businesses still sport golden chain trees as specimen plants. If a mined leaf is held up to the light, a spiral grooving can often be seen within the mine. The laburnum, also called the goldenchain tree because of its showy blooms, reaches a height of 5.4 to 7.5 m (18 to 25 feet) at maturity and spreads out about 3.9 to 5.4 m (13 to 18 feet) wide. 24 hours. Whether you need to fix, build, create or learn, eHow gives you practical solutions to the problems life throws at you. very small amounts of fruits compared to the common Laburnum. The leaves and root also contain poison. There are only two species in the genus Laburnum, common laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides), and alpine laburnum (Laburnuym alpinum), both native to southern Europe. This If you have laburnum in your own garden, that doesn't mean that you have to uproot the bush right away. Sunflowers. The adult laburnum leaf mining moth has a wing span of 8-9mm, the forewings are white with yellowish-brown with purple markings at the wing tips. Laburnum anagyroides. What they do: These pests tunnel into the tree and lay eggs. Thanks for your reply - it is a young laburnum tree which has had its leaves eaten. Although most dogs will avoid eating dangerous plants, others will be more curious, especially young dogs or puppies. However, as the seeds have a bitter taste, they are appealing to children in appearance rather than taste. Gardeners should keep in mind that all parts of the laburnum tree have toxic properties. These beauties are also commonly seen growing wild along a few stretches of road in the area. We empower you to efficiently solve each new challenge and make your life better and easier. It contains high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Although some are less toxic than others, it is best to keep your dog away from any variety. A number of poisonous plants are widespread in Germany and are also used as ornaments in many gardens. Then sleek as a lizard, and alert and abrupt, She enters the thickness, and a machine starts up. Viburnum beetles, both the adult and larvae, eat leaves, which can slow your plant's growth and looks ugly. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. While leaves may be high in fiber, they are not nutritious, and therefore will not enrich your dogs diet in any meaningful way. I have a young Laburnum tree and it has been stripped bare and I I don't know what the cause is? Aphids and mealy bugs often attack this species. 9. The smaller varieties of golden chain tree can be grown in containers. brady age 10. NC University Extension Service. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Use the list below to decide if this is the correct tree for you and your garden. The most likely danger comes from children eating the seeds. Keep the soil moist at all times. 222879 / SC038262, Free entry to RHS members at selected This results in brown circular blotches on the leaves. If necessary, apply insecticidal soap, narrow range oil or a systemic insecticide. You can use a garden duster and put out a lot less dust and be just as effective. twice the width of the existing roots and set it into the hole to the same Perhaps the most famous is at Which is greater 36 yards 2 feet and 114 feet 2 inch? Laburnum trees which are planted near to ponds will almost certainly Rhubarb. Schep LJ, Slaughter RJ, Beasley DMG. what's eating my laburnum tree, holes in the leaves and orange marks on the leaves. What is A person who sells flower is called? Insome cases leaves can contain several mines which coalesce and so no longer show the typical shape of the mine. All parts of Common laburnum are extremely poisonous, but the pea-like seeds are particularly attractive to children. How to stop these pests from eating your viburnum plants.