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 - May 08, 2012
From: Leander, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification, Shrubs
Title: Yellow-blossomed Shrub that Occurs in Arizona and Texas
Answered by: Becky Ruppel
QUESTION:
What is the name of the large shrubs you will see in Arizona with the bright yellow blossoms. They grow wild everywhere, and I also see them in the town. Could you please tell me the name of them, so I can look them up and get more information about them.ANSWER:
There are a few kinds of shrubs that could be what you are seeing around. However, it is very difficult to identify a plant without a sample of the plant or a picture.
One thing that the shrub could be is a Palo Verde, Parkinsonia aculeata (Retama). This shrub has unusual green bark and pretty yellow flowers and occurs in both Arizona and Texas. Another shrub it could be is Larrea tridentata (Creosote bush), which is a much shorter than Palo Verde and has a very characteristic smell after it rains, though it may occur this far east. It is also possible that you are seeing a small version of Acacia farnesiana (Huisache), since they are prolific bloomers this year. Hopefully one of these is correct and it helps you find more information about this shrub.
From the Image Gallery
More Shrubs Questions
Red buckeye not blooming in NY
July 04, 2011 - I planted my red buckeye in September 2007 and it was about 18 inches tall. It is now a few inches short of 5ft. tall. I have had it in the ground for nearly 4 yrs and it has never bloomed. I have fr...
view the full question and answer
Erosion tolerant plants for shade from Kerrville TX
August 06, 2013 - We have just cleared a lot of cedar out of a small draw and would like to know the best groundcovers, shrubs, etc. to plant to hold the soil. Deep shade most of the day.
view the full question and answer
Evergreen shrub for East Texas
October 31, 2012 - I am looking for a small to medium evergreen shrub (native to east Texas) for a location that receives some sun in the morning but mostly shade. Something that blooms & attracts butterflys & hummingbi...
view the full question and answer
Privacy hedge for Palm Springs CA
July 04, 2013 - Dear Mr. Smarty Pants
I have a 6 foot block wall, and my house is elevated, and I need a privacy hedge or tree (even flowering) to create more privacy. I do not want to use Ficus as I hear they can d...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen hedge for NY
February 26, 2012 - I am looking for a native evergreen shrub that could be used as a hedge or privacy screen on the Rockaway peninsula in Queens county. It is a beach community with sand soil ( except where it has been...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |