Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_43.gif)
Sunday - July 14, 2013
From: Beavercreek, OH
Region: Midwest
Topic: Invasive Plants, Plant Identification
Title: Identification of fast-growing weeds with orange flowers
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have fast growing plants (weeds?) in my heavily wooded backyard. They reach heights of over 6 ft and have orange flowers. I have spent hours searching the web today with no success -the closest thing I found that resembles these plants are in the Mallow family. They are nearly impossible to get rid of and they multiply fast. I have images I can forward to assist. Thank you!ANSWER:
Below are various "weeds", some native and some not, that are similar to your description and occur in Ohio.
Oenothera biennis (Common evening-primrose) is native to North America. Here are more photos and information from Ohio Perennial & Biennial Weed Guide.
Hieracium aurantiacum (Orange hawkweed) is native to Europe. Here is more information from Ohio Perennial & Biennial Weeds.
Abutilon theophrasti (velvetleaf) is native to Asia. Here is more information from University of California Integrated Pest Management Program.
Impatiens capensis (Jewelweed) is native to North America. More photos and information from Illinois Wildflowers.
Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper) is a vine with orange flowers and native to North America. Here is more information from Ohio Perennial & Biennial Weed Guide
Verbascum blattaria (Moth mullein) is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. Here are more photos and information from Ohio Perennial & Biennial Weed Guide and CalPhotos University of California-Berkeley.
Verbascum thapsis (Common mullein) is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. Here are more photos and information from Ohio Perennial & Biennial Weed Guide.
Hemerocallis fulva (Tawny daylily) is native to Asia. Here is more information from the National Park Service.
Potentilla recta (Sulfur cinquefoil) is native to Eurasia. Here is more information from Illinois Wildflowers.
If none of these are the weeds that are growing in your backyard, you should try looking through the Photo Key on Ohio Perennial & Biennial Weed Guide. You can also go to our Native Plant Database and do a COMBINATION SEARCH choosing "Ohio" from Select State or Province and "Orange" from Bloom Characteristics: Bloom Color. This will give you a list (most have photos) of North American native plants with orange flowers that occur in Ohio. If you still don't find your weed, please visit our Plant Identification page to find links to several plant identification forums that will accept photos of plants for identification.
Below are photos of the North American natives named above.
From the Image Gallery
More Invasive Plants Questions
Is Yaupon Invasive in the Austin Area?
March 24, 2011 - Is Yaupon Holly invasive in the Austin area? Should we be removing it from our yards and/or greenbelt spaces?
Thanks for your input!
view the full question and answer
Information on edible tubers of hog potato from Austin
November 10, 2011 - I inquired a while back about hog potato or Hoffmannseggia glauca. You gave me some information on the plant but no information on when the plant produces the edible tubers. Also how long does it take...
view the full question and answer
Fighting Sandburs with Bluebonnets in Austin, Planting Bluebonnets in Caliche soil
September 22, 2010 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
In my continuing fight against sandspurs I've decided that if I plant a copious amount of bluebonnets seeds that the foliage will choke out the sandspurs because bluebonnets set...
view the full question and answer
Nimblewill grass for a shady area in Dallas
April 04, 2013 - i have a very shady backyard and reading some of your post I think Muhlenbergia schreberi (nimblewill) will survive.
Two questions:
Is it drought resistant?
Where can I buy the seeds?
view the full question and answer
Help with control of small, invasive groundcover
April 16, 2012 - I have a very invasive ground cover creeping into my yard. I've tried to identify it and it's similar to creeping charlie or garlic mustard. Leaves are triangular with jagged edges, small purple f...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |