Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
From: Purcellville, VA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Plant Identification
Answered by: Barbara Medford
You haven't seen any alien spaceships around lately, have you? Even for the tropics, that would be one whopper of a seed pod. Try using these instructions to send us a picture:
Need help with a plant ID? Send us an email following the instructions below.
1. Tell us where and when you found the plant and describe the site where it occurred.
2. Take several high resolution images including details of leaves, stems, flowers, fruit, and the overall plant.
3. Save images in JPEG format.
4. Send email with images attached to id@smartyplants.org. Please enter Plant ID Request on the subject line of your email.
If that doesn't work, try contacting the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office for Loudon County. This website has phone numbers, website address, etc. and they may be more familiar with your find than we are.
Do monarchs like Cynachum laeve in Austin, TX?
May 29, 2012 - I have found what I believe is Honeyvine (Cynanchum laeve)
growing in my yard here in Austin. I tried using the LBJWC
plant data base and could not find it. I also found the plant with a diff...
view the full question and answer
Instructions for Plant ID
August 28, 2008 - Hi- I have an unidentified small white flowering plant photo to try to identify. Would you be willing to see what you think it is or refer me to someone to whom I could send it? It was photographed on...
view the full question and answer
Identifying a plant similar to sarsaparilla
September 04, 2011 - I am trying to identify a plant that looks very similar to sasparilla, but has a ring of blue berries at the end of a long stalk, and the plant itself is spreading, not an isolated herb like sasparill...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification
April 06, 2010 - In spot in the garden where tomatoes grew last this year, previous to planting what looks to me like a shamrock plant came up until it bloomed. Now it looks like some of the fuschia plants only the le...
view the full question and answer
Distinguish between Huisache and Goldenball Leadtree
March 23, 2008 - How do you distinguish between Huisache (Acacia farnesiana) and Goldenball Leadtree (Leucaena retusa)? Thanks!
view the full question and answer
![]() |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |