Native Plants
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.
rate this answer
Wednesday - September 02, 2009
From: Ballinger, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Vines
Title: Identity of a vine in Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am trying to identify a native vine in Runnels County, Texas. It is approximately 20 feet long, growing on a fence. The leaves are simple leaves, range in size from 1/2 " to 2" and thick (similar to the thickness of a kalanchoe). The are shaped similar to a red oak and alternate on the stem. The flowers are small, green round buds similar to a poinsettia flower. The berries are black and fleshy and very popular with birds. Can you help me? Thank you.ANSWER:
From your description, the closest match is Cissus trifoliata (sorrelvine). It has fleshy leaves and black berries. Here are photos showing the flowers. (Note: Cissus incisa is a synonym of C. trifoliata). If this isn't the vine you saw and you have (or can take) photos, please send them to us and we will do our best to identify your vine. Please visit Mr. Smarty Plants' Plant Identification page to read instruction for submitting photos.
More Vines Questions
Plant identification of large hairy vine in Salem, OH
June 19, 2009 - We have large hairy vines that grow up the side of several of the trees on the edge of the woods beside our home. The leaves color resembles that of the poisonous sumac but the leaves shape do not. ...
view the full question and answer
Identification of Matelea reticulata
June 08, 2007 - I recently saw blooming in an Austin park a small white-green flower ( 3/4 ") with a center that looked like a small pearl. Any idea what it is. I can't find it in my flower book, It was on a waist...
view the full question and answer
Growing native vines in pots from Houston
May 28, 2012 - I am writing in regards to your often mentioned issue of plants not doing as well in pots and in the ground.
After last years drought, i moved all the plants I had that were in danger of dying of t...
view the full question and answer
Identification of vine in North Carolina
November 11, 2010 - How can I send a picture to you of a vine that I can't seem to identify?
view the full question and answer
What color should I paint a gazebo for vines in Arizona?
January 29, 2014 - I have a two questions. I have a dome shaped metal gazebo that I want a vine to grow up the 4 columns and cover the top. I live in Tempe, AZ which is hugely hot in summer. The gazebo is black right ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |