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)
Wednesday - November 11, 2015
From: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation, Vines
Title: Propagation of Texas grapes
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
What is the best way to propagate wild Texas grapes?ANSWER:
Native grapes of Texas include Vitis mustangensis (Mustang grape), Vitis rotundifolia (Muscadine), Vitis aestivalis (Summer grape ) and Vitis cinerea var. helleri (Winter grape). The most widespread is Mustang grape, but it does not produce tasty fruit. I reproduce below an excerpt from a previous Mr. Smarty Plants question on the propagation of Texas grapes.
"These native grapes may be propagated vegetatively or by seed. I am going to reference How to Grow Native Plants by noted local author and landscape designer, Jill Nokes: a fall sowing outdoors or by cold moist stratification at 33 to 40 degrees for about 12 weeks should break seed dormancy for adequate germination. Select middle or basal wood from the current season's growth when propagating from hardwood cuttings; softwood cuttings may root readily under a 10 day mist-bench treatment. Plant the immature vine in sandy loam soil in partial shade; the plant will grow vigorously toward the light. Keep in mind that you will have to perform seasonal maintenance pruning to keep the growth in check.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Identification of vine growing near river in New Hampshire
August 31, 2009 - I found a small vine growing near a river in NH. It has five point leaflets similar to sumac but much smaller. The flowers were pink with a deep purple/burgundy on the inside. The flowers are in clus...
view the full question and answer
Identification of a plant that looks like a watermelon.
May 21, 2012 - A wild plant came up in my bed that looked like a watermelon plant. It had small yellow blooms and then marble balls formed with prickly thorns. The balls were in clusters. What kind of plant is i...
view the full question and answer
Plants to trail down wall in South Carolina
February 07, 2008 - Good day,
I am putting in a stacked mortarless concrete block retaining wall which will rise to the forest floor along a cut bank - about 4 feet high. Each course steps back about one inch from th...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen vine for Wimberley, Texas
June 02, 2009 - I live in the hill country in Wimberley Texas. I am looking for a fast growing, blooming evergreen vine for a privacy lattice wall between small houses. Can you recommend one of several plants? Thank ...
view the full question and answer
Native trees of Hornsby Bend in Austin, TX
April 10, 2013 - We are looking for a list of the trees occurring along and in the vicinity of the Colorado River at Hornsby Bend circa 1820.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |