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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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Tuesday - September 02, 2008

From: Newfane, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Plant ID from New York
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I have a large leaf from a plant that my grandfather has. We live in Niagara county NY. The large leaf is green and has a red stem, growing on a stalk THICK like a sunflower, now has red or black berries on it which the cedar waxwings and robins, etc. just eat and eat till the berries are gone. I thought it was elderberries but there is no long stem that the berries are on. Can you please identify it for me?

ANSWER:

Sorry, we are not going to be able to identify your plant from your description. If you will send us a picture, using the following instructions, we will see what we can do.

Need help with a plant ID? Send us an email following the instructions below.

1. Tell us where and when you found the plant and describe the site where it occurred.

2. Take several high resolution images including details of leaves, stems, flowers, fruit, and the overall plant.

3. Save images in JPEG format.