Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

DONATE TODAY

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

Tuesday - March 22, 2005

From: Texas City , TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: General Botany
Title: Smarty Plants on Hypogon
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

How many sides does a hypogon have?

ANSWER:

If you are asking about the stems of the native plant genus Hypogon (all North American species are now placed in the genus Collinsonia), then the answer is four. Collinsonias (syn: Hypogon spp.) are members of the Lamiaceae (Labiatae) family. Most members of that family, including the genus Collinsonia, feature square stems.
 

More General Botany Questions

20 years to bloom
May 02, 2007 - My girlfriend and i have come up with an interesting question, we were wondering if there is a plant in existance that takes over 20 years to bloom, and how many different kinds (if any) there are? We...
view the full question and answer

What is the difference between indigenous and native?
November 03, 2015 - What is the difference between indigenous and native?
view the full question and answer

Definition of a weed
April 22, 2003 - What is your definition of a weed?
view the full question and answer

What is more important for plant growth; sunlight, water, soil or what?
February 20, 2009 - What is more important for plant growth generally. Sunlight, water, good soil what ? please write back I need an answer I am 13 doing a science project.
view the full question and answer

Project on natives in Connecticut from Chino CA
April 13, 2010 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants, My 10 yr. old daughter is doing a project on Ct., and would like to know what the most common plants, trees and flowers are found in this state. A few of each would be a great ...
view the full question and answer

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