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.

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Friday - October 26, 2007

From: Utopia, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Identification of plant, probably Eryngium leavenworthii (Leavenworths eryngo)
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

burr like bloom shaped like small pineapple,purple in color,grows in a cluster on single stem,dries well

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants assumes you want to know what this plant is. From your description it sounds like Eryngium leavenworthii (Leavenworth's eryngo). Surprisingly, despite its resemblance to them, it isn't one of thistles which are in the Family Asteraceae (Aster Family). It is, instead, in the Family Apiaceae (Carrot Family). You are right, it does dry well and is beautiful in dried flower arrangements.