Native Plants
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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.
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Wednesday - May 05, 2010
From: Livonia, MI
Region: Midwest
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Vine for screening fence in Michigan
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
Need a perennial vine to grow on a chain link fence, full sun, moist ground. Wanted to block view. If it flowers and/or attracts butterflies, all the better.ANSWER:
Ahh, we love short questions at this time of year!
Usually we have to go into a longwinded explanation on how to search our database, but seeing as how you have provided the conditions narrowing the choices, here they are:
Campsis radicans (trumpet creeper) attracts hummingbirds
Celastrus scandens (American bittersweet) attracts birds (fruit)
Clematis virginiana (devil's darning needles) attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
Lonicera sempervirens (trumpet honeysuckle) Flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Fruits attract quail, Purple Finch, Goldfinch, Hermit Thrush, American Robin.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) atracts birds (fruit)
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February 28, 2015 - I am wanting an evergreen shrub 6-8 ft tall to use as a screen in our backyard. Do you have any suggestions?
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February 26, 2012 - I am looking for a native evergreen shrub that could be used as a hedge or privacy screen on the Rockaway peninsula in Queens county. It is a beach community with sand soil ( except where it has been...
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