Weird tuberous roots - Ask Extension
What are these white tubers that look like giant grubs but are indeed a crispy neutral smelling root??? I live in Spring, Tx and these things are ever...
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Weird tuberous roots #239527
Asked April 25, 2015, 2:38 PM EDT
What are these white tubers that look like giant grubs but are indeed a crispy neutral smelling root??? I live in Spring, Tx and these things are everywhere in our gardens and compost pile. They look like chinese asparagus, but we aren't going to poison ourselves with them Til we find out what they are. They have purple flowers on a straight stem and spread everywhere...
Montgomery County Texas
Expert Response
They definitely look like chinese artichoke. However, I cannot make an accurate diagnose without the plant and flower to key out the plant.
The scientific name is Stachys affinis. If you search that name on google images, it will bring up the plant and the tubers.
Thanks for the question.
The scientific name is Stachys affinis. If you search that name on google images, it will bring up the plant and the tubers.
Thanks for the question.
This is the plant and flowers! Thanks for your help!!!
Thanks.. We are close.. Are the stems of the plant square or round? Could you also try to get a picture of just the flower.. I know it is hard to get a clear image. But the flower looks very similar to many other bedding plants. Thanks in advance. MP
The stems are square! Here are a few more attempts at the flower...thanks again for your help.
Jeff
Jeff
This could also be another possibility. It is very difficult to get down to 100% identification. The lighter colored flowers have thrown several of us off.
https://thefamilyherbalist.wordpress.com/2010/12/09/florida-betony-stachys-floridana/
