skip to main content

Name That Plant!

Any guesses? Mystery Flower!

13 years ago

I found this growing in my flower patch, but I did not plant it, and I haven't seen any others like it anywhere on my property. Once those little balls open up, they look a lot like a partially open balloon flower, and there are four seed chambers inside. The chambers look like a reverse pea pod. The petals dry out to a crunchy papery feel, and the seeds are black and round.

The ball is about the size of a penny. The leaves are the ones that look like fern leaves, not the blades of grass.

Image link:

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

dirtroadmama
Original Author
13 years ago
Just to note, those streaks that look dusty purple in the photo are actually a dark mauve in person.
saltcedar
13 years ago
Flower-of-an-Hour (Hibiscus trionum).
Related Discussions
mystery flower in BC
Q
Comments (4)
I don't know how they'll do in BC but in my yard in KY they survive quite nicely, even become invasive. Mine are a purplish color but have noticed that I have some clumps that have white or cream blooms.
...See More
Any more guesses on these two plants ID ?
Q
Comments (10)
I would say as a guess the plant I removed the bright Hosta from was at least 5-8 years in her garden? Just guessing by the size it was when I separated it off. As to the possible blue boy, I thought the pics on Hosta Library for blue boy look more like Halycon then what I have. My plant never shows any waxy blue, it is green to be sure.. I guess it isn't that important as I really like the big green leaves. Its the only plant I have with that look. As to the flowers Ken , I don't recall.. but it seems it flowers late. I can't really see pink that well being a little color blind. I will try to remember pics of the flower to update this thread..
...See More
Guess the name of this flower.
Q
Comments (35)
Sally, My friend Ruth, that was with us, said that she also has heard of a flower named the "false obedient" plant. She is trying to find her book that describes it. Yes, I agree about the age 84 comments. LouLou is just incredible for her age. She is an active Master Gardener, funny, sharp and very knowledgeable. She works one day a week at the Extension Office, is on our Tree Team where we go out and check problem trees in the county, writes gardening articles and still gives gardening programs. She probably has forgotten more than I have even known. Two years ago, we went down to the Herb Festival at South Padre Island. She had us laughing the whole way!
...See More
Guess the mystery picture!!
Q
Comments (10)
Nope - Mimi Boo got it. It's Queen Anne's Lace, and that little pink blossom (?) is part of it. Drat! I knew it would be too easy!
...See More
dirtroadmama
Original Author
13 years ago
No, not that one. This flower only has four petals when it opens. Any more guesses?
Embothrium
13 years ago
For better results, show the flowers.
calinromania
13 years ago
i am also voting for this hibiscus trionum. used to have it. pulled it out, as it makes too mamy seeds. but i loved the stripes on the bud and the flower itself. not big (like a real hibiscus) but it's pretty.
no idea what ELSE it could be.
dirtroadmama
Original Author
13 years ago
I stand entirely corrected. Saltcedar was dead-on, and Calinromania's agreement made me re-check the pictures for that plant. When I looked up the flower of an hour the first time, I just saw the open bloom, and none of the buds.

So, thanks, ya'll!

Related Stories

EVENTS Who Invented the Coat Hanger, and Other Household Mysteries Solved

By Mitchell Parker

Learn the origins of common household objects, see patent drawings and more in a traveling exhibition

COLOR Unravel the Mystery of Black

By Julia Pockett

Venture into the shadowy world of this controversial hue; learning black's history and uses might just put it in a different light

DECORATING GUIDES Design Mystery: Why Do Pineapples Sprout Up in Home Design?

By Mary Jo Bowling

Early Americans were bananas about pineapples — and we’re still reaping the benefits of the sweet fruit’s symbolism today

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Evoke Mystery and History With Moss in the Garden

Go ahead, lie about age. Moss on garden statues, planters and pavers creates the beautifully deceptive look of time’s passing

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Get the Mystery of a Gothic Garden for Yourself

Create an enchanting and tranquil scene with the stonework and wayward plantings of Gothic garden design

CONTEMPORARY HOMES Houzz Tour: An Air of Mystery, Grounded in Practicality

By Claire McCall

Not all is revealed at once in this new New Zealand home, which balances cocktail chic and family playspace

BEDROOMS Guessing Game: What Might Our Bedrooms Say About Us?

By Samantha Schoech

For entertainment only; actual accuracy may vary. Always don fun goggles and engage your imagination before playing!

FUN HOUZZ Guessing Game: What Might Our Living Rooms Say About Us?

By Samantha Schoech

Take a shot on your own or go straight to just-for-fun speculations about whose homes these could be

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Koi Find Friendly Shores in Any Garden Style

By Marianne Lipanovich

A pond full of colorful koi can be a delightful addition to just about any landscape or garden

MOST POPULAR 12 Key Decorating Tips to Make Any Room Better

By Judith Taylor Designs

Get a great result even without an experienced touch by following these basic design guidelines

Sponsored

Kuhns Contracting, Inc.

26 Reviews

Central Ohio's Trusted Home Remodeler Specializing in Kitchens & Baths

More Discussions

What is this old primula variety?

18

Is this nutsedge?

7

Yellow ID please

2

what kind of buttercup?

12

Is this elderberry?

2