Contact Us Host an Event Volunteer Join

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Friday - July 08, 2005

From: Mountain Ranch, CA
Region: California
Topic: General Botany
Title: Smarty Plants on Wildflowerology
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I know there is a word for everything, but I can't find the offical word for the study of wildflowers. Wildflowerology just doesn't sound right. Can you help?

ANSWER:

How about Feraflorisology? or Indigenaphytology? OK, I just made those up. The consensus around the Wildflower Center is that there is no special word for the study of wildflowers.

Here are some accepted names for the study of plants or parts of plants:

Phytology (or Botany)--the study of plants
Dendrology--the study of trees
Dendrochronology--the study of the age of trees
Pomology--the study of fruits
Algology--the study of algae
Palynology--the study of pollen
Aeropalynology--the study of pollen grains and spores in the atmosphere
Bryology--the study of bryophytes
Phytosociology--the study of the relationship of plants

For a list of other "-ologies", you can visit Wikipedia, the free online encylopedia.

I suppose we will have to settle for Botanist, or Phytologist, who specializes in wildflowers or native plants.
 

More General Botany Questions

How does Styrax youngiae differ from other Texas Styrax species?
August 18, 2013 - How does the Styrax youngae differ from other Texas styrax? Where can I find a description of all the Texas styrax trees?
view the full question and answer

Why do some flowers open during the day and close at night?
April 08, 2009 - My son is doing a science fair project on the California Poppies. We are trying to find the definitive answer on why the flowers open during the day and close at night.
view the full question and answer

Project on natives in Connecticut from Chino CA
April 13, 2010 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants, My 10 yr. old daughter is doing a project on Ct., and would like to know what the most common plants, trees and flowers are found in this state. A few of each would be a great ...
view the full question and answer

Allelopathy in Sassafras albidum
January 11, 2012 - Sassafras albidum description says "Sassafras is allelopathic and can discourage the growth of certain other plants within its root zone." My question is: WHICH plants are susce...
view the full question and answer

Differences in prostrate Mimosa species
May 27, 2013 - There are apparently a lot of little pink puffy-flowered prostrate plants with thorny stems and sensitive leaves: Mimosa microphylla, Mimosa roemeriana, Mimosa strigillosa. How does one tell them apar...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.