Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
1 rating

Monday - August 31, 2009

From: Haverhill, NH
Region: Northeast
Topic: Vines
Title: Identification of vine growing near river in New Hampshire
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

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 cluster that almost looks like cocks comb or a morrel mushroom in shape. The plant looks like dodder but has leaves.

ANSWER:

One vine native to New Hampshire with leaves similar to the ones you describe and with pink flowers is Adlumia fungosa, Allegheny vine, but otherwise it doesn't really look like your description.  Here is another set of photos,  Another somewhat remote possibility is Securigera varia, crownvetch, a European native that is considered invasive in many areas of North America.  I think it is highly likely that neither of these is the plant you saw—so, if you have (or can get) photographs, please send them to us and we will do our very best to identify your vine.  To read the instructions for submitting photos, please visit Mr. Smarty Plants' Plant Identification page.
 

More Vines Questions

Identification of ivy-like plant with large purplish leaves.
March 27, 2015 - Can you ID this ivy-like growing plant with a big purplish elephant ear type leaf and a big green stem pouch?
view the full question and answer

Plant to trail down concrete block retaining wall in Maryland
September 15, 2012 - Hello, Your website is an excellent resource. Thank you very much! My girlfriend recently bought a house that has a concrete block retaining wall in the front yard. We want to improve the app...
view the full question and answer

Vine to cover concrete retaining wall in Georgetown TX
March 02, 2013 - I have an unsightly concrete retaining wall and culvert covers that require fast coverage from a vine of some sort. The plant must be deer resistant and drought tolerant. The retaining wall and culv...
view the full question and answer

Poison ivy? vine in NJ
July 30, 2012 - I have a vine growing among some vegetation in my backyard. It has a leaf with 3 "points" with ridges along its edges. The smaller leaves are reddish which is why I thought poison ivy but definite...
view the full question and answer

Red, puffy growths on Concord grape vine
July 07, 2015 - I have a growth on my grapevine that is red and puffy almost looks like it is full of water. It is a Concord grapevine. I have images I can send to you! It is on the stems.
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.