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
Tuesday - October 04, 2011
From: Orange, CA
Region: California
Topic: Plant Identification, Vines
Title: Plant identification of a potted vine in California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hi, we have a tropical vine growing in a pot on our patio that my wife bought at the county fair. We've had it for a couple of years but I just noticed it now has a sort of pear like fruit on it. It is definitely a vine as it is climbing up one of the posts. The leaf is oval and V veined. The fruit is green now but I'm sure it has not yet matured. Thanks.ANSWER:
Generally, a plant growing in a pot indicates a cultivated non-native plant. Since our focus and expertise here at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center are with the study, conservation and promotion of plants native to North America, we aren't likely going to be able to identify a non-native cultivated plant. Indeed, there isn't really enough detail in your description to suggest any particular vine that I can think of. You can, however, search in our Native Plant Database for California native possibilities by doing a COMBINATION SEARCH and choosing "California" from the Select State or Province option and "Vine" from Habit (general appearance). This will give you a list of almost 50 vines, most with photos, for you to see. If none of these looks like your vine, then you can visit our Plant Identification page to find links to several plant identification forums that accept photos for identification. Be sure to read the "Important Notes" for submitting photos and also be sure that the photos you submit are in good focus.
More Vines Questions
Question about male muscadine plants
June 01, 2012 - I have 9 muscadine plants, 3 females and 6 perfect flowered growing in my yard. A plant started growing under my porch lst year and it grew through the spaces between the boards. It grew nicely. It fl...
view the full question and answer
Trumpet vines on wall in Longmont CO
May 18, 2010 - I purchased three trumpet vines to plant on the NW wall of my house back in 2002. Although the leaves are a beautiful healthy dark green, none of them have ever bloomed despite regular fertilizing pe...
view the full question and answer
Identification of a wild vine in East Texas
December 17, 2010 - Trying to identify a wild vine that grow 15-20 feet up our trees. The leaves are dark, glossy green about 2-3" long. The edges are smooth and elongated. Each leaf is placed to the right and then the ...
view the full question and answer
Plants for a Steep, Sunny Slope in Iowa
April 28, 2013 - I am looking for plants native to Iowa for a steep, sunny slope or groundcover.
view the full question and answer
Evergreen vine for San Diego, California
July 11, 2010 - I am looking for an evergreen (San Diego) vine to grow on a newly constructed trellis. Its 12' tall by 8' wide and is on the North side of the house. That area seems to only get sun June and July ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |