Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Saturday - September 27, 2008
From: Milford, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Ferns
Title: Ferns that smell like cucumber
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Are there ferns that smell like cucumber?ANSWER:
We could locate no ferns that smell like cucumber, but we bet we know what you are talking about. Sanguisorba minor, Salad Burnet, (Floridata) is an herb native to Europe, Africa and Asia, but brought to North America by the Pilgrims. Obviously not a native to North America, and therefore out of our usual expertise, but if you will look at this page of pictures of Salad Burnet and then at the pictures of native Adiantum capillus-veneris (common maidenhair) below, we think you'll see how they could be confused. Maidenhair fern is a native of Texas and several other states, not including Pennsylvania. We're guessing if you have seen this herb in gardens in your area, you mistook it for a fern. It does have a lovely cucumber fragrance and is often used in salads to add a cucumber "presence" without having to slice a cucumber.
From the Image Gallery
More Ferns Questions
transplanting Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris)
October 25, 2011 - Behind our house is a huge grotto with a spring flowing through it that runs into a creek. Because of the constant flow of water, there are many of the Maidenhair Ferns (Adiantum capillus-veneris). I ...
view the full question and answer
Erosion control on partially shaded slope
November 27, 2010 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
I live in Atlanta, GA. My house is on a hill, and I am beginning to have erosion at my backyard porch (concrete slab, on the corners especially). The soil is mainly red clay, a...
view the full question and answer
Container plants for part shade in Bee Cave TX
June 18, 2013 - Dear Mr Smarty Pants,
I am looking for plants that will thrive on my covered porch in 3 tall planters. These are meant to help me block an unattractive view out my living room window, so they must...
view the full question and answer
Starting shade-tolerant ground covers in New York
September 10, 2013 - Hi, I have seen some of the posts for shade-tolerant ground cover on the east end of Long Island and my question is process related. Now that I've identified the grasses/plants I need to keep my fro...
view the full question and answer
Source for ground pine plants from Ligonier PA
December 21, 2012 - Where can I purchase "ground pine plants? I want to use them for erosion control.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |