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)
Friday - August 13, 2010
From: Gatlinburg, TN
Region: Southeast
Topic: Propagation, Vines
Title: Need some information about wild native grapes in Gatlinburg, TN.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
We have some wild grapevines growing on a southern exposure eroded bank. They are providing assistance in reducing erosion with rapid growth. Do these plants develop ground contact as they grow? In Tennessee, do they die back in the winter? Thanks!ANSWER:
In looking through our our database, the native wild grapes in Siever County are likely to be one of the of the following:
Vitis riparia (riverbank grape) (more information)
Vitis rotundifolia (muscadine) (more information)
Vitis vulpina (frost grape) (more information) {scroll to the bottom of the page}
As grape vines grow, they produce modified stems called tendrils that allow them to latch on to every thing in their path that will help them get their leaves up into the sunlight. They generally don't produce adventitions roots which would attach the stem to the soil.
Grapes are perennials and lose their leaves and enter a dormant phase during the winter.
More Vines Questions
Native plants with little sun and northern exposure for New York
April 26, 2006 - I live in a co-op and want to fix up the backyard. The backyard area has a west area to plant with a northern exposure and little sun and I am looking to plant something to cover the area. I would lik...
view the full question and answer
Identification of heartleaf vine
May 16, 2010 - Howdy!
I had a plant that I would like to replace but I don't know what it is, I was hoping you could help. It was a climbing vine with large (>6") heart-shaped leaves. The underside of the leaves ...
view the full question and answer
Groundcover for a Sunny, Steep Slope in Maryland
April 29, 2013 - I need a groundcover for a sunny dry steep slope in Towson, Maryland. The slope goes from the parking lot down to a deck area.
view the full question and answer
Identification of vine in New York
May 15, 2012 - I have a flowering vine that grows against my home and I'm not sure what it is, but it's beautiful with a delicate scent. The flowers look like clusters of mini purple pea pods hanging downward befo...
view the full question and answer
Smarty Plants on teddy bear vine
April 13, 2005 - I am looking for a plant called teddy bear vine. The
scientific name is Cyanotis kewensis.
I had one a long time ago (20+ years) and I loved
it, but I can't find another one or find out whe...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |