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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Thursday - September 01, 2011
From: Artesia, NM
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Plant identification
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a single stalked plant that has leaves with 5 lobes. Each lobe is also lobed. The leaves are dark green, staggered on the stalk opposite each other. Do you have any ideas what this is?ANSWER:
You haven't given me a lot to go on here. It would be nice to know the size of the leaves, the size of the plant and whether its stalk is woody or not. Does it have flowers? Did you buy it or did it just sprout up in your flowerbed or did you find it in the woods/in a ditch/in the park? That would help me figure out it what it might be. Nevertheless, I will give you a couple of possibilities that somewhat match your description. Neither of these is a plant native to North America—our specialty—and I haven't thought of any native plants that fit your description.
- Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) and here are more photos and information.
- Carica papaya (papaya) and here is another photo.
Your best bet is to photograph the plant and then go to our Plant Identification page to find links to several plant identification forums that accept photos for identification. Be sure to read the "Important Notes" on that page with instructions for submitting photos. Also, be certain that your photos are in good focus.
More Plant Identification Questions
Identification of yellow blooming plants near Temple, Texas
November 07, 2011 - This question may be a challenge. We noticed fields of
yellow blooming plants in the fields east of Temple. They
appear to be about 4 inches tall. (we were on a bus and
could not stop to look cl...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification
June 15, 2011 - I have a plant similar to sheepshire. It has red leaves and yellow blooms exactly like the green variety. We brought it here to Oklahoma from Wyoming. I would like to know what it's called and where ...
view the full question and answer
Identification of tree in Ovilla TX area
May 04, 2010 - Can you identify a tall,(wild?) tree covered with fragrant, pink/lavender blooms? Have seen several in the Ovilla area this spring.
view the full question and answer
Plant identification
October 01, 2009 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
Ever since we received this (much needed and wonderful) rain in Austin, my gardens and yard are being swamped with these tiny, green clover-like plants. I've never seen it ...
view the full question and answer
Tall lily with dark berry at leaf attachment
June 25, 2012 - A lily showed up in my flower garden last year (central Illinois); about 3' tall, a single dark berry at the stem where each leaf is attached. It didn't flower. This year it's approaching 4' tall ...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |