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
Thursday - May 17, 2012
From: Sunset Valley, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: General Botany, Vines
Title: Variation in leaves for Vitis mustangensis
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hi, I am doing a sculpture of a mustang grape vine in limestone. In seeking a good leaf image I notice that there are both roundish shaped leaves and highly divided or "fingered" shapes on your site. Are both shapes Texas mustang foliage just variations for vine ages etc. Clear this up for me please. Thanks StoneCarverCatANSWER:
Vitis mustangensis (Mustang grape) has two different types of leaves and the type isn't associated with the age of the leaf—the shape of the leaf doesn't change once it has formed. However, according to Brother Daniel Lynch in Native & Naturalized Woody Plants of Austin & the Hill Country, it depends on the the speed of growth of the shoots. Here is what he says:
"Leaves in two forms; one form unlobed or shallowly lobed, and the other form deeply lobed, with the latter less common and on rapidly growing shoots. The lower surface of the unlobed leaves often concave."
You can read the text concerning the leaves of the mustang grape in Shinners and Mahler's Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas on p. 1072 and see the drawings on p. 1073.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Propagation of wild grape vines
July 14, 2004 - How can I propagate wild grape vines where I want them to grow?
view the full question and answer
Invasive vines in azaleas in South Carolina
July 07, 2008 - I have saw briars and wild jasmine, and cow itch vine that has invaded my azaleas, and would like your input on how to get rid of them without completely destroying my azaleas. Thanks
view the full question and answer
Non-native Purple Hyacinth from Sylvania OH
May 21, 2012 - I am wondering if I plant a Purple Hyacinth Bean vine seed under a tree and allow it to grow up the tree trunk, will it kill the tree?
view the full question and answer
Identification of a vine in El Paso, Texas
November 23, 2012 - I live in Del Rio Texas - Zone 8/9 and I have a vine which can't be identified. It looks like a morning glory white flower with crimson throat, but the leaf pattern is like a 5-7 fingered hand with d...
view the full question and answer
Is Poison ivy always rooted in the ground?
November 11, 2015 - Does Poison ivy on a tree always start at the ground and climb up the tree or can it start producing its vine and leaves by itself at the top of the tree or middle?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |