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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - June 19, 2013
From: Keller, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Identification of purple wildflower shaped like a bottle rocket
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Dear Smarty Plants, the other day while driving north on 281 from San Antonio I noticed a purple wildflower that was shaped sort of like a bottle rocket, seemed to have leaves similar to verbena and smelled like licorice(!?!). It was about 14 inches tall. What could this be? Is it a type of wild verbena? I am new to the state and eager to learn as much about native wildflowers and plants as possible. I did take a photo and can submit that if it would help if you give me an email address. Thanks!ANSWER:
There are two sets of flowers that match your description fairly well. First, there are ones in the Genus Monarda, members of the Family Lamiaceae (Mint Family). They bloom in May, June and July. The following species grow in or adjacent to Bexar County:
Monarda citriodora (Lemon beebalm) Here are more photographs and information from Image Archive of Central Texas Plants, University of Texas.
Monarda clinopodioides (Basil beebalm)
Monarda punctata (Spotted beebalm) Here are more photographs and information from Alabama Plants.
The other set of plants that meet your descriptioin are ones in the Genus Liatris, members of the Family Asteraceae (Aster Family. They normally bloom in August, September and October. The following species grow in or adjacent to Bexar County:
Liatris elegans (Blazing star) Here are more photos and information from Southeastern Flora.
Liatris mucronata (Cusp gayfeather) Here are more photos and information from Image Archive of Central Texas Plants, University of Texas.
Liatris punctata (Dotted blazing star) Here are more photos and information from Montana Plant Life.
Then, we have the Glandularia bipinnatifida var. bipinnatifida (Prairie verbena) and Salvia farinacea (Mealy blue sage).
Finally, there is the endangered Streptanthus bracteatus (Bracted jewelflower). Here are more photos and information from the Center for Plant Conservation.
If none of the flowers I've suggested is the one you saw, please visit our Plant Identification page to find links to several plant identification forums that accept photos of plants for identification.
From the Image Gallery
More Plant Identification Questions
Tree with bright green seeds the size of a softball
October 22, 2008 - My daughter has moved to Taylorsville,Ga and thier are trees that drop bright green seed pods that are round and the size of a soft ball. The outer skin resembles a human brain. Do you have any idea w...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification
October 01, 2009 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
Ever since we received this (much needed and wonderful) rain in Austin, my gardens and yard are being swamped with these tiny, green clover-like plants. I've never seen it ...
view the full question and answer
Plant Identification from Parkersburg WV
March 24, 2014 - My wife found this flower on March 22nd, growing on a hillside partly shaded a few yards from our home. No one we have spoken to has ever seen it before,and we would love to identify it. Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Plant identification
June 25, 2011 - I see a previous question from Ohio on this plant, so I will copy the description and try to submit photos. "A year later a weed-like plant started growing beside it. It has very thorny leaves, stem...
view the full question and answer
Taxonomic question about Viola missouriensis and Viola affinis.
March 28, 2011 - I have tentatively identified a violet as either Viola affinis or V. missouriensis. However, the pages for those species are dated 2007 and 2009, respectively, in the NPIN, while it read...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |