Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
1 rating

Thursday - June 14, 2012

From: Decatur, GA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Herbs/Forbs, Wildflowers
Title: Plant Identification from Decatur GA
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Hi: In early May 2012 we visited the Center--fantastic. There was a large shrub/tree with yellow blooms near a silo. Is it Retama? Also there was a lot of a purple blooming plant in with the coneflowers. I think it may be Monarda citriodora. It had fluffy purple blooms at the top of the stem. Thanks for any help you may be able to give me.

ANSWER:

We are glad you enjoyed a visit to the Wildflower Center. Since Mr. Smarty Plants ordinarily works online from home, we don't always know exactly what is blooming at a particular time and/or spot in the Center. Our incredible Garden Staff and volunteers keeps a constant succession of blooming plants on the grounds virtually year-round. On our Native Plant Database, we looked at flowers that bloomed in the specified color in Central Texas in May, and have four guesses for you. Follow each plant link to our webpage on that plant to read about it and see pictures. We also have some pictures from our Image Gallery, below, hope we hit the right choices.

Parkinsonia aculeata (Retama)

Tecoma stans (Yellow bells)

Monarda citriodora (Lemon beebalm)

Monarda fistulosa (Wild bergamot)

 

From the Image Gallery


Retama
Parkinsonia aculeata

Retama
Parkinsonia aculeata

Retama
Parkinsonia aculeata

Yellow bells
Tecoma stans

Yellow bells
Tecoma stans

Yellow bells
Tecoma stans

Lemon beebalm
Monarda citriodora

Lemon beebalm
Monarda citriodora

Lemon beebalm
Monarda citriodora

Wild bergamot
Monarda fistulosa

Wild bergamot
Monarda fistulosa

Wild bergamot
Monarda fistulosa

More Wildflowers Questions

Rows of red, white and blue flowers in Kerrville, TX
January 16, 2009 - I have 1/3 acre project on the Guadalupe river in Kerrville Tx. I want to plant 3 rows, of red, white and blue flowers that are at best deer resistant. I have added 84 yards of lake btms (Ingram Lake...
view the full question and answer

Are there drug cartels on the bluebonnet trails from Lake City FL
February 08, 2012 - We plan to fly to TX to see bluebonnets but do not know if the weather and forest fires have destroyed them. If not, can you estimate the peak bloom time? We are 75 and 81 and move around rather s...
view the full question and answer

Wildflowers for decorating for a wedding from San Marcos TX
June 16, 2011 - I am in the early stages of planning my wedding for next year. I would like to decorate with wildflowers in mason jars. I need to set a date! What is the peak season for wildflowers blooming in centra...
view the full question and answer

Source for dotted blue-eyed grass from Saluda SC
February 23, 2013 - I lived in Texas for several years and now live on acreage in South Carolina. I have heard that bluebonnets don't grow well in South Carolina. However, there is a place by the road near our house t...
view the full question and answer

Buying bluebonnet plants for project in Amarillo TX
February 10, 2013 - Is there anywhere I can buy some bluebonnet plants by March 1, 2013 for a school project? We are growing some, but they are just up.
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.