Native Plants
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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - July 23, 2008
From: Holiday, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Florida shrub with tiny green pumpkin-like fruit
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I live in Central Florida and have a fast-growing shrub with long stems. The leaves are similar to sassafras and from a distance the red flowers resemble those of a geranium. It has pods that look like tiny green pumpkins. It is not ver cold-hardy, but grows back quickly when pruned.Any idea what it is?ANSWER:
The fruits you describe sound like Eugenia uniflora (Surinam cherry), a native of South America, but its flowers are white, not red. If this isn't your plant, we would be happy to try to identify your plant if you would send us photos. Please visit the Ask Mr. Smarty Plants page to read the instructions (under "Plant Identification") for submitting photos.
More Shrubs Questions
Oakleaf hydrangea in Indiana
November 18, 2010 - I was given a start of an oak leaf hydrangea by a generous friend from her garden. I have been searching for "what to expect" about this plant. I planted it last year and it grew..this year..but d...
view the full question and answer
Trees and shrubs that are not poisonous to horses
September 23, 2008 - What non poisonous trees or shrubs or hedges would work for being near horses?
view the full question and answer
Transplanting and Pruning Callicarpa
August 21, 2014 - I saw the previous question about Callicarpa from the guy in Texas and I have two questions based on the response. In SW Vermont, is late fall still the best time to transplant my Callicarpas? Also, i...
view the full question and answer
Plant Suggestions for a Partly Sunny Steep Bank in Illinois
November 09, 2013 - I am looking to plant something on a steep clay bank on our Illinois property. It is on the edge of our dirt road with trees above the bank and is partly sunny. What would work best for that type of a...
view the full question and answer
Need to Landscape a Small Yard in Southern California
February 03, 2011 - We live in Southern California, and have a small yard – approx. 40’ x 20.’ We want to remove the grass, which we are currently not irrigating, and replace with low maintenance, drought-tolerant plant...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |