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_00.gif)
Friday - July 06, 2007
From: Knowlesville, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Possible identification of common mullein in New York
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
OK I have a monster size plant, growing beside my patio, looked weedlike similar to a burdock when young, but different and interesting. So we let it grow its now about 7'2" tall grows about 2-3" per day (esp. the flower mass on top). Topped with a phallic like flower mass with green buds and small yellow flowers. Leaves are broad +/- 6" wide and 18" long, burdock green. Many smaller offshoots of the flowering phallic like masses many at bases of the leaves.ANSWER:
Hmmm...very interesting! One plant that comes to Mr. Smarty Plant's mind is Verbascum thapsus, common mullein, although the description doesn't match exactly. Missouri Plants has more photos and information. If this isn't your plant, we would be happy to try to identify it if you will send us a photo. Please read the instructions for submitting photos under Plant Identification on the Ask Mr. Smarty Plants page.More Plant Identification Questions
Care for Vauquelinia angustifolia (Chisos Rosewood)
June 08, 2008 - Hello, I have another question for you. A friend has given me a plant called "Chisos Rosewood" which they bought on a whim but decided they couldn't use. It's said to be evergreen. It's about...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification
June 23, 2008 - Hi, I live in southeastern PA, and want to identify a wildflower . It about 36" tall, with a showy red spiked flower at the top, appox. 2" in diameter.
Thanks,
Robin
view the full question and answer
Identity of garlic-like plant in Florida
June 17, 2012 - Please tell me what this plant is. It is not Society Garlic and it is not Meadow Garlic. It has THREE curling purple leaves and lots of bulbs flowering from the same stalk. The pointy leaves are edg...
view the full question and answer
E-mailing a picture for Plant ID from Dexter KY
June 25, 2012 - Could I email a picture of a vine that is taking over my porch? Can't seem to find it anywhere. It is dark green and relatively shiny with 10 leaves on each stem.
view the full question and answer
Identification of bushes with red berries in Tennessee
January 31, 2012 - I was recently traveling thru Clarksville, TN and saw these bushes (at the shopping mall) that had clusters of small red berries on them. They were not a Holly that I know of. The leaves were not th...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |