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)
Thursday - February 05, 2015
From: Akron, OH
Region: Midwest
Topic: Planting, Vines
Title: Will Bittersweet climb on a streetlight pole?
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
Will Bittersweet climb on a streetlight pole, or does it need to be with a tree?ANSWER:
Celastrus scandens (American bittersweet) climbs by wrapping tendrils around limbs or rough bark of trees in nature. It may climb on a streetlight pole if the pole has a rough surface, e.g., concrete, that it can fasten onto. I would think that it would have trouble on a smooth surface of a metal pole. Check some of the properties of Bittersweet on this web site. Bittersweet plants can be purchased at this site.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Fungus Spots on Native Bush Honeysuckle
December 03, 2010 - My native bush honeysuckle plants that I have along my back fence have leaves that are turning yellow with spots. It appears to be a type of fungus, but not powdery mildew. Any suggestions as to what ...
view the full question and answer
Plants for pergola in Lubbock TX
May 29, 2013 - I need suggestions of plants, vines, bushes to plant in my backyard near my wooden pergola that will work well in full sun in Lubbock, TX. Ideally, I'd like some that attract hummingbirds and provide...
view the full question and answer
Parthenocissus quinquefolia as replacement for Asiatic jasmine
June 14, 2007 - The deer have stripped the Asiatic jasmine groundcover under my clusters of live oak trees in Southwest Austin. This year the bare areas of ground are covered in Virginia creeper seedlings. I have b...
view the full question and answer
Groundcover for vineyard from Round Rock, TX
February 04, 2013 - I will be planting a vineyard in the Hill Country next spring. I am looking to maintain low-growing understory plants across the entire vineyard to maintain soil health, choosing plants that the leaf...
view the full question and answer
Vine for Marin County, CA
August 31, 2012 - Looking for relatively fast growing evergreen vine (not Ivy).
Plant along sturdy 7 foot wire fence.
Mostly sun, some shade.
Soil drains reasonably well.
I had some success w/ star jasmine, but too...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |