Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Wednesday - March 07, 2007

From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Possible identification of Stemless Evening Primrose
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Recently, in a very dry area, some interesting plants have emerged. The plant looks like a very short dandelion but the yellow flowers look like yellow morning glories. The flowers are open in the morning and twist close as the day progresses. The entire plant is not more than an inch tall even when it's spread is over a foot. Any idea what this is?

ANSWER:

From your description, the only plant that comes to mind is Stemless Evening Primrose (Oenothera triloba). After seeing the photographs in our Native Plants Database if you don't think that is what it is, we invite you to send us a digital photo. You can find instructions for submitting photos for identification on the Ask Mr. Smarty Plants page.
 

More Wildflowers Questions

Color of Englemann's daisy (Engelmannia peristenia)
April 11, 2010 - I'm in Austin and just bought some Engelmann's Daisies at the plant sale on Fri. The picture had them with white petals, and your plant database has them with yellow petals. I specifically wanted wh...
view the full question and answer

Wildflowers for bridal bouquet in Baraboo WI
March 26, 2010 - Hi! I have recently been asked to assist a bride in choosing wild flowers for her wedding bouquets. I am wondering if you can recommend some simple, long stemmed wildflowers that will hold up well ...
view the full question and answer

Asters bloom period
April 16, 2005 - When do the asters bloom?
view the full question and answer

Will a gift of bluebonnet seeds grow in Massachusetts?
July 06, 2009 - I recently received a gift of bluebonnet seeds and would like to know if they are suitable to grow in Massachusetts. We live in Zone 5. If so, would they be considered an annual due to our hard winter...
view the full question and answer

From Austin, some Texas bluebonnet seeds that will grow in San Diego, CA
April 05, 2014 - Is there a variety of Texas blue bonnet that will grow in San Diego, CA?
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.