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)
Monday - June 27, 2011
From: Brevard, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Plant identification
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
I have a plant my Dad had found years ago. Last of April a stem with bulb shaped bottom. May 6-stem opened and folded back exposing spotted inside of leaf. Bottom had yellow pollen? and green stem 2+ feet. Died completely down by May 30 with 2 in. stem beside it. By June 8-3 spotted stems,1 plant 24 in. Leaves are in horseshoe shape on top of stem with 9 leaves and large one. 11 leaves in graduated sizes to the middle. Plant will get taller.ANSWER:
This sounds like Arisaema dracontium (Green dragon). Here are more photos and information.
If this isn't your plant, please visit our Plant Identification page, to find links to Plant Identification forums that will accept photos for identification.
From the Image Gallery
More Plant Identification Questions
Plant identification, possibly Phytolacca americana (American pokeweed)
September 07, 2010 - What wild growing plant has dark purple berries with a pinkish stem? The purple berries grow on their own stem and not in among the leaves, the leaves are green.
view the full question and answer
Identity of plant that smells like passion fruits at Westcave
September 07, 2012 - Green greetings! I saw a plant in the canyon at Westcave Preserve last weekend. They are small bushes with elliptic leaves. They are impressive because the leaves smell like passion fruits. Do you hav...
view the full question and answer
Keys for identification of native plants in Ohio
April 22, 2005 - Do you know of any good web sites that provide keys for the identification of native plants? I'm conducting a wetland plant inventory in southwestern Ohio.
view the full question and answer
Identity of plant that smells like dill in California
June 30, 2013 - Whenever I drive over the Sonoma County, CA coastal range and to the beach (usually Bodega) as you get closer to the ocean the air is scented not just with the wonderful smell of the sea, but also of ...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification
August 22, 2011 - I have a rather large berry growing on a tree-like bush in my back yard here in Williamsville Vermont, I've never seen anything like it! I have a picture.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |