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
Tuesday - December 20, 2011
From: St. Petersburg, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Plant identification
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am new to Florida and can't find the identification of one of my plants anywhere. It's an unattractive plant that is stick-like, very rubbery - it reminds me of a stick-bug. I have a small one in a pot and a very large one planted in the ground. The branches/stick-like arms are a bit unruly - growing every-which-way. I DO have a photo, but don't see a place to upload it.ANSWER:
Does your plant have leaves? Did it bloom? If so, what color were the blossoms? With the description you have given me, I can't come up with a native plant that fits. It is quite possible it is non-native since Florida is host to many tropical and semi-tropical plants that aren't native to North America. Since our focus and expertise here at the Wildflower Center are with plants native to North America, we aren't really the ones to identify it and we don't routinely accept photos for identification. However, if you will visit our Plant Identification page you will find links to several plant identification forums that do accept photos for identification.
More Plant Identification Questions
Difference between Oxalis debilis and Oxalis violacea
June 22, 2015 - There are two species of pink oxalis reported to grow here in Jefferson County, Oxalis debilis (introduced) and O. violacea (native). How can I positively identify which one I have growing in my yard?
view the full question and answer
Identifying plant
October 21, 2007 - What plant is usually found growing in low-lying freshwater marshy places with a single, straight-stemmed plant that grows to about one-to-two feet in height. The branches and leaves are sparse with ...
view the full question and answer
Identification of plant with seed heads like goat head
February 17, 2013 - Sir,
I collected some bizarre seed heads from some rough weeds around a stock tank in SE New Mexico. They resemble goat heads, with two long curving horns. I have photos but couldn't figure out how ...
view the full question and answer
Identification of plant with long skinny stems and red flowers
May 07, 2008 - I keep seeing around this very pretty plant that has long skinny stems and bright red flowers that are tube like and skinny too. I would love to get this plant but do not know what it is called.
view the full question and answer
Identity of white flowers, 6 petals and 5 yellow stamens
June 16, 2012 - Have white flower with 6 petals and 5 yellow stamen in middle . Looks like yellow stamen star cluster. Could be Gladious or Star of bethleham but Star has 6 yellow stamen in middle right? Can you id...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |