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_00.gif)
Thursday - May 03, 2012
From: Louisa, VA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Plant Identification, Ferns
Title: Plant identification from Virginia
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
We found lots of asparagus like stalks growing randomly in our field here in central Virginia. But, instead of an asparagus head it has a tight cluster of leaves that are small and roundish. Any ideas? Thanks so muchANSWER:
This was a puzzler until I talked with a friend who suggested the leaves are small and roundish in cross section. If that is the case, I think I have an answer for you. I think it is one of the species of Equisetum, a relative of ferns, that occurs in Virginia. There are three species that might fit your description:
- Equisetum arvense (Field horsetail). Here are more photos from USDA Plants Database, more information and photos from University of Wisconsin Cofrin Center for Biodiversity and more photos and information from Oregon State University.
- Equisetum sylvaticum (Woodland horsetail). Here are photos and more information from Central Yukon Species Inventory Project and from the University of Wisconsin Robert W. Freckman Herbarium.
- Equisetum fluviatile (Water horsetail). Here are photos and more information from Central Yukon Species Inventory Project, photos and more information from University of Wisconsin Cofrin Center for Biodiversity and from the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden in Minnesota.
If this isn't the plant you have seen and you do have photos of it, please visit our Plant Identification page to find links to several plant identification forums that will accept photos for identification.
From the Image Gallery
More Plant Identification Questions
Identification of Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) in Virginia
April 15, 2006 - Hi, I am very curious about a bulb growing wild plant in our back yard. We have recently moved to the Woodbridge, VA area. There is a stream running trough our property. The plant looks almost like la...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification of red flower in Austin
August 02, 2008 - What is the plant I have seen in urban landscapes in Austin, Texas, that have bright red flowers at the terminus of what looks like a spray of green, jointed, drooping branches (or stalks). It forms ...
view the full question and answer
Identification of tree in Ovilla TX area
May 04, 2010 - Can you identify a tall,(wild?) tree covered with fragrant, pink/lavender blooms? Have seen several in the Ovilla area this spring.
view the full question and answer
Identification of low growing plants with flowers that resemble a bunch of grapes in Graford, TX
February 10, 2011 - I am in northwest TX and I would like to know the name of the early blooming, very low growing plant that has a single bloom on a bare stem--it is dark crimson and the blooms looks like a bunch of gra...
view the full question and answer
Fringe tree appropriate for Libertyville IL
July 05, 2009 - I live in Libertyville Illinois and admired a fringe tree on the Biltmore Estate.
Are the weather & soil conditions conducive to having a fringe tree in this area?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |