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.

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

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Friday - May 01, 2009

From: Fort Worth, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Plant Identification
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Curious about the identification of the foxglove-looking plants flowering along the railroad tracks that parallel Lancaster in Handley. Some are white while others are purple. Leaves are about 2-3 inches long, stalk is slender, buds come out all along the stalk. thanks

ANSWER:

You are probably seeing Penstemon cobaea (cobaea beardtongue). The blossoms can be white or various shades of pink or violet. If this isn't what you are seeing, please send us photos and we will do our best to identify it. For instructions on submitting photos for identification, visit Mr. Smarty Plants' Plant Identification page.