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.
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.
rate this answer
Saturday - June 17, 2006
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflower Center
Title: Possible identification of plant purchased at Wildflower Center
Answered by: Joe Marcus, Sean Watson and Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hi - I'm looking for the name of a plant I bought at the Wildflower Center. It's currently in a gallon container and about 8 inches high. The leaves are green (on the yellow end of the spectrum), velvety, fleshy (a bit more than an African Violet), and about 1/4" to 1/2" round with scalloped edges. The plant has about 10 stems which are growing in a round mound, like slightly overgrown broccoli. Thanks so much for your help,ANSWER:
We have several suggestions. Some have leaves that are larger than you describe, but the new leaves would be about the right size. When you look at the pages for the individual plants, be sure to select "Images" from the menu at the top of each page to see additional photos. If none of these looks like your plant, perhaps you could send us a photo. You can read instructions for sending digital pictures on the Ask the Expert page. Here are the suggestions:1. Cardinal Feather (Acalypha radians)
2. Cedar sage (Salvia roemeriana)
3. Butterfly bush (Buddleja marrubiifolia)
4. Mouse ears (Bernardia myricifolia)
5. Heartleaf skullcap (Scutellaria ovata)
6. Texas lantana Lantana urticoides)
More Wildflower Center Questions
Name of speaker at Wildflower Center on maintenance of oaks trees in Austin
July 28, 2010 - Sometime in the recent past my wife heard a speaker at the Wildflower Center talking about the pruning and maintenance of oak trees in Austin. We are now in need of tree maintenance services and are ...
view the full question and answer
Living lightly on the land
November 21, 2008 - Are most of the materials used in the Center recyclable materials? For instance, the wood floors and HVAC systems?
Thanks, Joel Rodriguez
view the full question and answer
Does the Wildflower Center sell Endangered Plant Species?
January 25, 2010 - Do you guy's sell endangered plants in Austin? Such as the Basin Bellflower, or the Texabama Croton?
view the full question and answer
Medicinal plants at the Wildflower Center
April 19, 2006 - What kinds of medicinal plants do you have at the Wildflower Center?
view the full question and answer
Design and installation of trails at Wildflower Center
July 24, 2005 - I am a Park Commissioner in a city near Austin and am researching a firm to help design a trail system in our park. Would you please tell me who designed and installed the trails at the Wildflower Ce...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |