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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Wednesday - March 18, 2009

From: Keller, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Plant identification in Keller TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I'm trying to i.d. a wildflower found in Keller, Tx. It is about 8 in. tall, single upright stem with narrow, slender leaves up the stem, several red blooms at top of stem about 1 inch wide, 5 petals, somewhat cupped (but not as much as winecup), and the blooms close in evening. (Leaves look smaller but a lot like paintbrush stem.) Can you help?

ANSWER:

We found two possibilities for this description: Argemone sanguinea (red pricklypoppy) and Phlox drummondii (annual phlox). However, it is difficult to make a positive identification on description alone. Please see the instructions for sending a picture to Mr. Smarty Plants, and we will endeavor to give you a more accurate plant name.

Argemone sanguinea