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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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Friday - June 17, 2011

From: Lufkin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Plant identification
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I have an area of some plants growing wild in woods behind my house. It will creep onto adjoining plants and has a delicate lavender colored flower that is curled up similar to a sweetpea, has a very mild smell. Can you identify it?

ANSWER:

Here are some native vines with lavender/pink flowers shaped like sweetpeas that grow in or adjacent to Angelina County:

Clitoria mariana (Atlantic pigeonwings) and here are more photos.

Galactia volubilis (Downy milkpea) and here are more photos.

Strophostyles helvola (Amberique-bean) and here are more photos.

If none of these looks like the vine you are seeing, take photos then visit our Plant Identification page to find links to several plant identification forums that accept photos for identification

 


Clitoria mariana


Clitoria mariana


Galactia volubilis


Galactia volubilis


Strophostyles helvola

 

 

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