Explore Plants
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.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Tuesday - May 15, 2012
From: Riverhead, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Plant Identification, Vines
Title: Identification of vine in New York
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
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 before they bloom into lavender petals. The vine is a good 20-25 feet tall already and grows along the east side where there's partial sun.ANSWER:
Below are the native vines that I found in our Native Plant Database that occur in Suffolk County, New York that somewhat match your description. None of the descriptions of these plants mention their scent; however, that doesn't mean they don't have a delicate scent. You might like to try a search to see the New York native vines for yourself. On the Native Plant Database do a COMBINATION SEARCH choosing "New York" from the Select State or Province option and "Vine" from Habit (general appearance). This will produce a list of 60 vines native to New York. You can limit the results even more by adding other characteristics.
Galactia volubilis (Downy milkpea)
Lathyrus japonicus var. maritimus (Beach pea)
Lathyrus palustris (Marsh pea) and here are more photos and information.
Strophostyles helvola (Amberique-bean) and here are more photos and information.
Strophostyles umbellata (Pink fuzzybean) and here are more photos and information.
It is entirelly possible that your plant is not a native of North America and, thus, would not appear in our Native Plant Database. If none of the plants listed above appears to be your plant, you can take photos and submit them to one of plant identification forums listed on our Plant Identification page.
From the Image Gallery
More Plant Identification Questions
Average lifespan of Pinchot's Juniper from Golden CO
August 23, 2011 - What is the average lifespan of Juniperus coahuilensis (syn. Juniperus texensis) trees?
view the full question and answer
Possible gourd vine growing in backyard in Camden, TN.
July 17, 2012 - I have a long green vine growing in my backyard. It's got green bulbs the size of kiwi on it and they're filled with white seeds. I would appreciate it if you guys could tell me what it is! Thanks!
view the full question and answer
Instructions for pictures from Red Bud IL
January 29, 2012 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
I followed your instructions on how to submit pictures for you to identify
"If you would like to know what the plant is that came up, Mr. Smarty Plants loves to identify plan...
view the full question and answer
Identity of bulbs from digging in an anthole
June 13, 2012 - I was digging in an ant hole and it collapsed and as I dug it out, I found around 50 white bulbs that did not have a smell or roots. They resembled onion bulbs. I have a picture of these and they are...
view the full question and answer
Identity of purple flower with flowers similar to witch hazel
August 16, 2012 - Found along woods roads. Purple flower about 1 - 2 ft. in height. Central stem rises from a ground level leaf whorl of five leaves from 4 to 7 inches long and 2 to 3 inches at their widest point. C...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
