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
Sunday - July 14, 2013
From: Beavercreek, OH
Region: Midwest
Topic: Invasive Plants, Plant Identification
Title: Identification of fast-growing weeds with orange flowers
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have fast growing plants (weeds?) in my heavily wooded backyard. They reach heights of over 6 ft and have orange flowers. I have spent hours searching the web today with no success -the closest thing I found that resembles these plants are in the Mallow family. They are nearly impossible to get rid of and they multiply fast. I have images I can forward to assist. Thank you!ANSWER:
Below are various "weeds", some native and some not, that are similar to your description and occur in Ohio.
Oenothera biennis (Common evening-primrose) is native to North America. Here are more photos and information from Ohio Perennial & Biennial Weed Guide.
Hieracium aurantiacum (Orange hawkweed) is native to Europe. Here is more information from Ohio Perennial & Biennial Weeds.
Abutilon theophrasti (velvetleaf) is native to Asia. Here is more information from University of California Integrated Pest Management Program.
Impatiens capensis (Jewelweed) is native to North America. More photos and information from Illinois Wildflowers.
Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper) is a vine with orange flowers and native to North America. Here is more information from Ohio Perennial & Biennial Weed Guide
Verbascum blattaria (Moth mullein) is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. Here are more photos and information from Ohio Perennial & Biennial Weed Guide and CalPhotos University of California-Berkeley.
Verbascum thapsis (Common mullein) is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. Here are more photos and information from Ohio Perennial & Biennial Weed Guide.
Hemerocallis fulva (Tawny daylily) is native to Asia. Here is more information from the National Park Service.
Potentilla recta (Sulfur cinquefoil) is native to Eurasia. Here is more information from Illinois Wildflowers.
If none of these are the weeds that are growing in your backyard, you should try looking through the Photo Key on Ohio Perennial & Biennial Weed Guide. You can also go to our Native Plant Database and do a COMBINATION SEARCH choosing "Ohio" from Select State or Province and "Orange" from Bloom Characteristics: Bloom Color. This will give you a list (most have photos) of North American native plants with orange flowers that occur in Ohio. If you still don't find your weed, please visit our Plant Identification page to find links to several plant identification forums that will accept photos of plants for identification.
Below are photos of the North American natives named above.
From the Image Gallery
More Plant Identification Questions
Plant identification
July 24, 2010 - I was wondering if you could help me identify a plant in the carrot family that has invaded a portion of my property that I fear may be toxic. It looks most like the water hemlock plant (leaf-wise, ...
view the full question and answer
Florida hanging vine with occasional red tongue-like leaves
December 01, 2011 - I live in south Florida and I used to grow a hanging vine that had green slender leaves and an occasional red leaf that looked like a tongue that protruded horizontally from the plant. do you know wha...
view the full question and answer
Plant Identification
July 14, 2011 - What is the common purple flower found in fields that has a yellow flattened oval berry like pod after blooming? Leaves are grayish green. I am thinking in the nightshade family? It is a bane to a pas...
view the full question and answer
Bermuda, not the only option in Memphis
November 04, 2014 - I'm building an energy efficient home in Memphis and want to extend that strategy to the landscaping. I'd like to plant native grasses, but this lot is surrounded by lots sodded with Bermuda grass....
view the full question and answer
Identity of plant with white flowers and serrated leaves in creek bed
September 17, 2012 - I have a wild fall blooming plant, white flowers, serrated leaves. Growing abundantly in my dry creek bed. Any thoughts?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |