Explore Plants
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.
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.
rate this answer
Saturday - January 14, 2012
From: London, KY
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Plant Identification, Shrubs
Title: Identification of shrub with red berries in Kentucky
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I live in Laurel CO, KY. I am trying to identify a shrub/tree. The leaves are green and may turn reddish orange. There are huge pods of red berries hanging.ANSWER:
If your shrub/tree is native to North America, you might be able to find it in our Native Plant Database by doing a COMBINATION SEARCH and choosing "Kentucky" from Select State or Province and "Shrub" from Habit (general appearance). You can also do the same search but substitute "Tree" for "Shrub" in your search. Not all of the species that come up in the list will have photos of the fruit of the shrub or tree. You can, however, scroll down to near the bottom of the species page and, under ADDITIONAL RESOURCES, choose Google. On the Google page, choose Images from the menu at the top and you might find photos of the shrub or tree with its fruit.
You should try the searches above in case I missed something, but here are some possibilities that I found doing the searches described above:
Amelanchier arborea (Common serviceberry) and here are photos of the fruit and fall leaves.
Crataegus phaenopyrum (Washington hawthorn) and here are fall leaves.
Crataegus spathulata (Littlehip hawthorn) and here are photos of the fruit.
Photinia pyrifolia (Red chokeberry)
Rhus aromatica (Fragrant sumac)
Rhus copallinum (Winged sumac)
Sambucus racemosa var. racemosa (Red elderberry)
Viburnum opulus var. americanum (American cranberry bush) and here are photos of fall leaves.
Crataegus dilatata (Broadleaf hawthorn) and here are photos of the plant.
Frangula caroliniana (Carolina buckthorn)
If you suspect it is a cultivated landscape shrub or tree rather than a native one and you have (or can take) photos of it, your best bet is to visit our Plant Identification page where you will find links to plant identification forums that will accept photos for identification
More Plant Identification Questions
Existence of plant named
May 30, 2006 - My mother's middle name is Orabelle - "beautiful seacoast." Some variations are "Orabel" and "Ord." Is there a plant that is so named and where might I be able to purchase it? I live in Norf...
view the full question and answer
ID of odd woodland plant in PA?
July 20, 2009 - Found in the woods in Eastern Pennsylvania. It is about 8 inches tall and were found in clusters of 3 to 10. They are clear. with pink and black tops. Similar to a flower, but snaps like a fungus. ...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification
April 02, 2012 - I found a plant on a small island about the size of a hand. It is spring so plant is just coming out of the ground. It is wrapped around a bulb/flower light color with little knobs on it. The outsi...
view the full question and answer
Identification of stem from a bouquet
January 02, 2012 - I have a stem with leaves that came in a bouquet May 2011. They are still healthy in a vase of water tho they have no roots, just stem. On the back center of each leaf are protrusions half an inch lon...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification
June 18, 2011 - Hello- I would like to know what is this plant? It grows in part to full sun over a large area; gray fuzzy, quilted, pointed leaves. It is now about 6-10" tall plants but there are untrimmed 24-3...
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. |
