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_10.gif)
Thursday - September 06, 2007
From: Vancleave, MS
Region: Southeast
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Plant identification, Chinese Lantern
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a plant growing along my fenceline that I am unsure of what it is. Some ppl have said it is a rare Chinese Lantern plant. I looked that up and it doesn't match. The plant right now sits about 2 ft tall, has broad leaves, a thick stalky stem, little yellow bowl-shape flowers on the top of the leave clusters and then at the split of the stems it has a green air filled like paper-lantern looking thing hanging from it. I live in Vancleave, MS and was wondering if you might know what this plant is. Thank you for your time.ANSWER:
Your plant doesen't sound like the Asian native Physalis alkekengi, nor does it sound like the North American native Quincula lobata (Chinese lantern). It does sound intriguing, however, and Mr. Smarty Plants would be happy to try to identify it if you would send us some photos.Here are instructions for submitting photographs for identification:
1. Tell us where and when you found the plant and describe the site where it occurred.
2. Take several images including details of leaves, stems, flowers, fruit, and the overall plant.
3. Save images in JPEG format, not more than 640 x 480 pixels in size, with resolution set at 300 pixels per inch.
4. Send email with images attached to [email protected]. Put Plant Identification Request in the subject line of your email.
You can also read this instructions on the Ask Mr. Smarty Plants page in the lower right corner under "Plant Identification".
More Plant Identification Questions
How can I distinguish Hibiscus laevis from Pavonia braziliensis in New Braunfels, TX?
September 12, 2011 - How can I distinguish Hibiscus laevis (Halberdleaf Hibiscus) from Pavonia braziliensis (Brazillian Rock Rose)? Earlier this year I was given the former by a friend and former NPSOT chap...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification from Prairie Village KS
August 25, 2012 - My friend has identified this plant as a Horseweed. It is 3 1/2 to 4 feet tall. Has a thick, fuzzy single stem. Linear leaves, about 3/4 inch across and 3 or 4 inches long with one or two notches on e...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification
September 30, 2007 - We found this plant or something or other in our yard, in the area we found it usually stays wet and it was behind a old tree that was done. It has three big green leaves with a white stem that kind ...
view the full question and answer
Shrub with thorns, black fruit and citrus fragrance in Michigan
September 19, 2014 - I'm not sure that my plant is a native, but I'm hoping to find some answer. There is a small patch of roadside shrubs on my property which I've been unable to identify. They have simple opposite ...
view the full question and answer
Identification of spiky red berry in Connecticut
September 25, 2011 - I found an odd berry outside of my school, none of the science teachers know what it is though. It kind of looks like a spiked cherry. It has spikes on the outside, a pit on the insde, and has pinkish...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |