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

Monday - July 13, 2015
From: Danbury, CT
Region: Northeast
Topic: Plant Identification, Deer Resistant
Title: Identity of ball-shaped purple flower in Connecticut
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am trying to identify a ball shaped purple/light purple flower with opposite leaves that look fern like. It has been in bloom since late May or early June. I have found it growing with what appears to be birdsfoot trefoil. I would like to id the purple flower because deer are not eating it. If it is native I'd like to plant it in my flower garden. Any help you can give is greatly appreciated. PS: I did take some photos but don't see a way to upload.ANSWER:
Unfortunately, the two flowers that I found that match your description and grow in Connecticut are non-native.
Here is one possibility, Knautia arvensis (Bluebuttons), a native of Europe and Asia. Here are more photos and information and photos.
Another possibility is Mentha aquatica (Water mint), another non-native plant from Europe, Northern Africa and Western Asia. Here are more photos and information. This plant has a very strong minty scent and would be avoided by deer.
There is one native plant in the Family Lamiaceae (Mint Family) that grows in Connecticut, however, that is highly deer resistant, Monarda fistulosa (Wild bergamot). Its flowers can be pink, white or lavender and it is perennial. Here are photos and more informtion from the New England Wild Flower Society. Additionally, it attracts butterflies.
Another native member of the Mint Family in Connecticut that is moderately deer resistant is Monarda didyma (Scarlet beebalm) with red blossoms. It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.
On our Special Collections page we have a list of Deer Resistant plants. You can use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option to limit the list to Connecticut to find other deer resistant plants native to Connecticut.
From the Image Gallery
More Plant Identification Questions
Why is Mentzelia oligosperma called chickenthief?
July 15, 2014 - Could you tell me why Mentzelia oligosperma is sometimes called chickenthief?
view the full question and answer
Plant identification
September 09, 2011 - In North Central Texas recommended plants, there are three coneflowers listed:
Echinacea angustifolia-Black sampson
E. purpurea-Purple coneflower
E. purpurea-Eastern purple coneflower
Is the Eas...
view the full question and answer
Plant ID from Woodcreek TX
January 27, 2012 - I would like to attach a photo of a weed in my lawn and have you identify it. How do I send a photo? I have been told it may be ground ivy. Please tell me how to kill it without damaging the lawn.
view the full question and answer
Plant Identification
June 19, 2010 - Hi there. I have a plant in my garden I'm trying to identify. It started out looking like a cabbage but now is huge, It has a large stalk going up the middle with purple bell looking flowers coming...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification
August 16, 2008 - I walk in a wooded area. There is a plant with large spade like leaves.It grow to about 4 to 6 ft. In other areas it has grown almost tree-like with green sticky nuts or seeds. I believe it had purple...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |