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
Wednesday - May 21, 2008
From: Summersville, WV
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Identification of orange flowering tree in West Virginia
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I was wondering if you might have any suggestions as to what small tree-like plant I saw over the last two weeks (mid May) in West Virginia, in the woods, in the mountains. With honeysuckle-like leaves. The flowers were orange and rhododendron-like. The tree grew about 6 to 8 feet tall. Thanks so much for any ideas you might have.ANSWER:
Well, there is Lonicera dioica (limber honeysuckle) which should bloom in May and June. There is also Rhododendron calendulaceum (flame azalea) that should be in bloom now and Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle) which is listed as blooming in June. If it doesn't happen to be one of these and you have a photo of it, you could send it to us for identification. Please see the Ask Mr. Smarty Plants page in the lower right corner under "Plant Identification" for instructions for submitting photos.
More Plant Identification Questions
Identity of shrubs in Austin neighborhood
September 30, 2013 - I have run across two beautiful bushes in our neighborhood. They have flowering branches that daisy-chain out like a fountain. No one can tell me what they are. They are located in front and on the ...
view the full question and answer
Are kidney wood and beebrush related from Burleson TX
August 06, 2009 - I have a kidneywood tree from a nursery. I also have a Beebrush plant. My reference on Beebrush designates it as kidneywood. My two plants look similar but somewhat different. I am confused. Are they ...
view the full question and answer
Website with map showing occurence of species
November 25, 2015 - Hello and thank you so much for this amazing site and all the information you provide. Recently after reading about some really neat species on here I ended up surfing the net for pictures and somehow...
view the full question and answer
Plant Identification
March 11, 2009 - Hello. I don't know if this is a North American native plant, but here's my question: I have a soft, low groundcover that looks like a miniature version of Foxtail Fern. Lowe's folks suggested it m...
view the full question and answer
Identification of plant with red beans Catalina Mts., Arizona
February 05, 2013 - While hiking at the base of the Catalina Mts. near Tucson in Jan., I came across a plant, the pods of which were open, displaying a bright red bean. I took some of the beans to plant in my yard. I was...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |