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_10.gif)
Saturday - June 01, 2013
From: Williamston, MI
Region: Southeast
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Identification of tree with orange flowers in Mississippi
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Saw beautiful Orange colored flowers on a tree in Jackson MI. Can't find one that is hardy in our zone. It looked to be about the size and shape of an apple tree. What could it be?ANSWER:
Here are some possibilities for the tree with orange flowers that you saw in Jackson, Mississippi. These are all native plants that are reported to grow in Jackson County or a nearby county. They should all be hardy in Jackson County (zone 9a or 8b).
The first two on the list have orange or gold flowers. They match your description better than the last three, but those last three are possibilities as well.
Rhododendron austrinum (Orange azalea)
Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip tree) has yellow flowers iwth orange areas in the middle of the blossom.
Parkinsonia aculeata (Retama) has yellow flowers.
Symplocos tinctoria (Horsesugar) with yellowish or cream-colored flowers. Here are more photos and information from Duke University and from Native & Naturalized Plants of the Carolinas & Georgia.
If none of the above is the tree you saw, it is very likely that it is a non-native introduced to the area. If you took a photo of the tree, you can visit our Plant Identification page to find links to several plant identification forums that will accept photos of plant for identification. If you don't have a photo, you might try asking landscape nurseries in the area to see if they have any ideas.
From the Image Gallery
More Plant Identification Questions
Plant ID from The Woodlands TX
July 22, 2013 - Your plant database does not distinguish 2 native tree species. Common names for these 2 trees: American hophornbeam and ironwood or musclewood. These common names are used for both trees - even m...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification, possibly Actaea rubra, red baneberry
August 06, 2008 - I came across a plant that has leaves similar to the astillbe shrub, stands about 3 feet high, and instead of a flower spire, has a chunk of bright red berries the size of medium-sized pearls atop its...
view the full question and answer
Poison ivy in Hilliard OH?
June 15, 2009 - I found a plant with five jagged leaves growing close to the ground in the trees of Ohio. Is this poison ivy or a similar plant?
view the full question and answer
Plant ID from Boise ID
July 18, 2012 - I have a plant growing in my bed which resembles a dandelion.. the problem is that it is really tall. Would you be able to take a look at a picture to identify it?
view the full question and answer
Plant Identification from Round Rock TX
October 26, 2010 - I am looking for the name of a ground cover I saw that looked like large bur oak leaf in a silvery green color. It was in the shade. I tried a search with no luck. Thanks!
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |