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)
Saturday - August 11, 2012
From: Redding, CA
Region: California
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Plant identification for Redding, CA
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a volunteer plant that has dull green leaf with tiny white flowers that turn into a small black berry the size of a raisin. Can you identify it? I live in Redding, Ca. They are popping up in the flower beds.ANSWER:
Unfortunately, I can't identify the plant you describe. It might help to know the shape of the leaves and how they are arranged on the stem, the shape of the tiny flowers and where they occur in relation to the leaves. However, I think your best bet to learn its identity is to take photos and visit our Plant Identification page to find links to several plant identification forums that accept photos of plants for identification. It may or may not be a North American native plant—many volunteer plants come up from seeds of non-native cultivars from someone's nearby garden. Considering that it might be a native plant, another possibility is to contact someone with the Shasta Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. Since they are right there near you, your description may tell them immediately what you have. Another gardening resource in your area who might be able to help is Shasta College and University of California Master Gardeners.
More Plant Identification Questions
What is sage-like plant in New River AZ?
July 17, 2009 - I have a sage like looking plant growing wild in my yard. I live in the Sonora Desert. Its leaves are purple and once a year in spring it will bloom small blooms that are lavender. It grows 2 to 3 an...
view the full question and answer
Possible identification of common mullein in New York
July 06, 2007 - OK I have a monster size plant, growing beside my patio, looked weedlike similar to a burdock when young, but different and interesting. So we let it grow its now about 7'2" tall grows about 2-3" ...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification
July 29, 2008 - Greetings, Sir/Madam! What is the name of that weed that grows ubiquitously in St. Augustine, Fl (literally overnight when it rains) and has two skinny "arms", with little greenish beads on the arm...
view the full question and answer
ID of odd woodland plant in PA?
July 20, 2009 - Found in the woods in Eastern Pennsylvania. It is about 8 inches tall and were found in clusters of 3 to 10. They are clear. with pink and black tops. Similar to a flower, but snaps like a fungus. ...
view the full question and answer
Fungi in the flower bed
October 01, 2007 - Found a strange thing in my flower bed, while tilling. It was egg shape, white, with a little purple, soft but tough like leather on the outside, with a small 2 inch root. Curiosity got me so I cut it...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |