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_43.gif)
Monday - October 25, 2010
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Plant identification of yellow daisy-like flowers blooming in Austin
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What is the name of the yellow daisy-like bush that is blooming now all over the Hill Country of Texas? The plant varies from 3 to 5 feet. The petals on the bloom vary from 8 to 10. The flowers are on a stem without leaves and branch into three parts.ANSWER:
Your description sounds like Amphiachyris dracunculoides (Prairie broomweed), a member of the Family Asteraceae (Aster Family). There are lots of them in fields around Austin right now. It is a very good year for them.
There is another yellow daisy-like flower, Viguiera dentata (Sunflower goldeneye), also in the Family Asteraceae, making a big show in the Austin area as well. There is an especially nice stand near the Pedernales River crossing on the road to Westcave Preserve on Hamilton Pool Road southwest of Austin.
More Plant Identification Questions
Mystery plant in private garden in Hutchinson MN
July 16, 2009 - I recently toured an amazing private garden. While touring the owner called her potted plant with purple clustered flowers something that sounds like 'pinsta'. Do you have any idea what it might ha...
view the full question and answer
Lycopodium digitatum for Christmas wreaths
December 21, 2008 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
That's it! The plant "Lycopodium Digitatum" posted on your website on Dec. 20, 2008 in response to my question about the proper name of "Crow's Feet" is indeed the pla...
view the full question and answer
Dodder, rootless, leafless, parisitic twining plants
May 29, 2006 - Hello,
I have been studying wildflowers in California for many years.
Yesterday I came across a surprise and I am thus far unable to identify it.
As it is raining today, I cannot get a photo, but I...
view the full question and answer
Identity of sunflower
November 02, 2012 - I am not able to find how to post a picture to help you identify a plant on our campus. I believe the plant I am trying to identify is a rough sunflower. (Helianthus hirsutus) We have zexmenia as ...
view the full question and answer
Locating Rosa rugosa for Massachusetts
May 09, 2006 - There is a shrub that grows out on the Cape especially at the beach. I have always called it Beach Rose and I have heard other people call it a Beach Plum. However, the most recent picture of a Beac...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |