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)
Monday - July 11, 2011
From: Nekoosa, WI
Region: Midwest
Topic: Plant Identification, Groundcovers
Title: Mystery Ground Cover in WI
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
I am trying to identify a ground cover plant that has started growing in my yard (I'm in central Wisconsin). It is very short, only about 1-2 inches tall and is very thick covering the ground. It has small pink flowers on it and has a very strong aroma when cut, it smells like basil or some other herb, but I'm not sure what it is. The leaves and flowers are slightly larger than the point of a pen. Could you help me identify it. I have pictures as well. Thank You.ANSWER:
Even though you have given us a good description, we cannot id your plant for you.
We can help, though, by providing this link to our Plant Identification page that will direct you to several forums that offer that service.
You can also take a sprig of it to a local garden center or your local agricultural extension service.
More Groundcovers Questions
Is dichondra repens native from Hillsboro, TX
November 28, 2012 - What about diachondra repens? Is it native?
Thank you,
view the full question and answer
Marbleseed (Onosmodium sp.) propagation and use as groundcover for
October 08, 2007 - I am interested in any information, esp. propagation & suitability as a landscape plant, (possible ground cover?) for marble seed. I have found it growing in deep shade on stream banks. It has a 4--...
view the full question and answer
Groundcover for a Sunny, Steep Slope in Maryland
April 29, 2013 - I need a groundcover for a sunny dry steep slope in Towson, Maryland. The slope goes from the parking lot down to a deck area.
view the full question and answer
Ground cover for a slope in San Antonio TX
July 02, 2013 - Slope growing, no or little irrigation ground cover. The slope is probably greater than 30%. The area is currently a construction road at the base, cut into the hill. To re-establish with a ground cov...
view the full question and answer
Plants for a Steep, Sunny Slope in Iowa
April 28, 2013 - I am looking for plants native to Iowa for a steep, sunny slope or groundcover.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |