Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Thursday - December 10, 2015
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Why do Turk's cap plants have such a variable growth habit?
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
In visiting the Family Garden at the Lady Bird Wildflower Center yesterday (10-21-15,) I admired a large bunch of Turks Cap that had more blooms than I had ever seen on Turks Cap, and I've loved that plant for 60 years. I also noticed that they were taller than any I have seen. There were almost no leaves as large as they normally grow, and the stalks looked as though they had been stripped of many leaves. Was that deliberate and does it increase blooms? Is this a different kind? Do you feed them? They're between the Robb Family Pavillion and the place with the exercise equipment. Thanks!ANSWER:
Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (Turk's cap or turkscap) is able to thrive in a wide variety of habitats. When growing in a shady location it tends to be tall and have fewer blooms. In a very sunny spot it is smaller in height, has smaller leaves and abundant blooms. In part shade anything can happen!
As the season progresses during a dry year Turk's cap reduces its need for water by dropping some of its leaves. And virtually all leaves are ultimately lost lin wlnter. These factors are probably more influential in determining Turk's cap growth habit than its response to fertilizer.
Only the drummondii variety of Turk's cap is native to Central Texas, so what variations you see are primarily due to environmental effects.
From the Image Gallery
More Plant Identification Questions
Who was Salvia clevelandii named for?
May 12, 2009 - Where does the term "clevelandii (as in the Salvia I recently saw for the first time) originate?
view the full question and answer
How can I distinguish Hibiscus laevis from Pavonia braziliensis in New Braunfels, TX?
September 12, 2011 - How can I distinguish Hibiscus laevis (Halberdleaf Hibiscus) from Pavonia braziliensis (Brazillian Rock Rose)? Earlier this year I was given the former by a friend and former NPSOT chap...
view the full question and answer
Plant identfication
August 09, 2009 - We have red pointed things growing wild in our yard. About the size of an index finger. They just pop up after a rain. Are they poisonous? We have pets.
view the full question and answer
Identity of tree with pumpkin-like fruit in Florida
October 02, 2012 - Hello. I live in a small town called Molino FL. I was walking on the side of our road and found a tree with pumpkin type fruit on the limbs. I have been trying to figure this tree out for about 3 mont...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification
September 25, 2012 - I have a plant that was in a funeral arrangement. The plant has green leaves with darker green spots on it. I do not know what kind of plant it is, nor do I know how much light the plant needs on a ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |