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
Not Yet Rated

Thursday - October 29, 2009

From: Alta Loma, CA
Region: California
Topic: Vines
Title: Trellis plant for Southern California
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

What is the best selection for a trellis plant? I live in Southern CA (zip 91701), and the area is on the southern part of our home with little or no shade. Thanks!

ANSWER:

Without being quite sure about the size and sturdiness of your trellis, I am recommending several vines native to your area that should work.  After reading about the size and heft of these and general growing conditions, you can decide which ones fit your site.

Maurandella antirrhiniflora (roving sailor)

Clematis ligusticifolia (western white clematis)

Clematis lasiantha (pipestem clematis)

Calystegia macrostegia (California morning glory)

Vicia americana (American vetch)  and here are more photos and information

Funastrum cynanchoides (fringed twinevine) and here are photos and more information

Keckiella cordifolia (heartleaf keckiella) and here are photos and more information

Vitis californica (California wild grape) and here are photos and more information

Vitis girdiana (desert wild grape)

Lonicera hispidula (pink honeysuckle)


Maurandella antirrhiniflora

Clematis ligusticifolia

Clematis lasiantha

Calystegia macrostegia

Vicia americana

Vitis girdiana

Funastrum cynanchoides ssp. cynanchoides

Lonicera hispidula

 

More Vines Questions

Identification of a vine with purple flowers
July 06, 2011 - I'm trying to identify a vine-like plant growing in my yard to determine if it is a weed or should be kept around. It has small purple flowers with a small yellow center, looking like a mini honeysuc...
view the full question and answer

Patio Privacy Screen Suggestions for Central Texas
March 17, 2013 - I have just built a patio and want to plant some small trees, bushes or shrubs to form a visual barrier (rather than to erect a fence)to the neighbors yard.
view the full question and answer

Grape Vines and spacing for Portland, OR
September 10, 2009 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I have a somewhat small south-facing yard next to my home (less than 8' wide). I would like to build a tall arbor for grapes that runs along the length of my home (about 4...
view the full question and answer

Low Ground Cover for Steep, Shaded PA Site
February 17, 2014 - I am located in Downingtown, PA, right on the border between Zone 6 and 7. Please provide a recommendation of a native ground cover for the following conditions: steep slope (greater than 45%), full s...
view the full question and answer

Eliminating unwanted vine on arbor in San Francisco
November 20, 2012 - There is a vine growing on our arbor, it has sickle-shaped pods and is crushing the arbor, how do we get rid of it?
view the full question and answer

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