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
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 - June 15, 2006
From: Mescalero, NM
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Name of epiphyte growing on oak trees
Answered by: Dean Garrett
QUESTION:
Please tell me what the epiphyte growing on the oak trees is.ANSWER:
It depends on what part of the country you're talking about. In humid environments of the southeastern United States from east-central Texas to the Carolinas, the familiar epiphyte growing on live oaks and other trees is Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides). In drier areas from Arizona to Louisiana and Florida, you'll find the related ball moss (Tillandsia recurvata) growing on a variety of trees, including oaks. Tillandsias are members of the pineapple family, Bromeliaceae.
More Plant Identification Questions
Existence of plant named
May 30, 2006 - My mother's middle name is Orabelle - "beautiful seacoast." Some variations are "Orabel" and "Ord." Is there a plant that is so named and where might I be able to purchase it? I live in Norf...
view the full question and answer
Identification of wild plum found in Conroe, TX
March 23, 2007 - I have found a wild plum that has dirty pink flowers and reddish smooth bark in a field in the town of Conroe, Tx. Identification thru the Ag Man here was sketchy and inaccurate. Short stubby limbs w...
view the full question and answer
Keys for identification of native plants in Ohio
April 22, 2005 - Do you know of any good web sites that provide keys for the identification of native plants? I'm conducting a wetland plant inventory in southwestern Ohio.
view the full question and answer
Plant in North Georgia Mountains with strong fragrance
January 20, 2010 - I need to ask a question about a plant in the North Georgia Mountains which are part of the Appalachian Mountains.I need help trying to figure out what plant in the North Georgia Mountains and the App...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification--Mock Orange
June 08, 2009 - I "grew up" with what I was told was a "Mockorange Bush." I've been looking around to be able to try to identify what variety it was. To be specific, the one that I am familiar with had little...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |