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
Monday - July 02, 2012
From: Seguin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Vines
Title: Cow-itch vine name from Seguin TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
How did Cow-Itch Vine (Cissus incisa / Cissus trifoliata) get its name?ANSWER:
There are actually several vines native to Texas that are sometimes called "cow-itch vine:
Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper) - Bignoniaceae (trumpet vine family)
Cissus trifoliata (Cow-itch vine) - Vitaceae (grape) family. We believe Cissus incisa is a synonym, and is actually the same plant. A previous Mr. Smarty Plants answer on this plant
From a previous Mr. Smarty Plants answer, we learned that Ampelopsis arborea (Peppervine) - Vitaceae (grape) family also has the "cow-itch" common name.
Generally, those vines have some feature of the leaves and stems that produce itching in anyone susceptible to it. We suspect they are called that because, in addition to causing the irritation, they are much more irritating as invasive vines that nearly can't be gotten rid of.
Closely related to Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper) is the:
Bignonia capreolata (Crossvine) - Bignoniaceae (trumpet vine family). This certainly seems to have a better reputation for a garden plant, including attracting hummingbirds. Its leaves and stems may also cause irritation, but not an invasives irritation.
The name "cow itch vines" probably evolved because we couldn't publish what they were really being called. You can follow each plant link to learn more about them.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Vine for Marin County, CA
August 31, 2012 - Looking for relatively fast growing evergreen vine (not Ivy).
Plant along sturdy 7 foot wire fence.
Mostly sun, some shade.
Soil drains reasonably well.
I had some success w/ star jasmine, but too...
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
Transplanting trumpet creeper in Prairie City, IA
August 22, 2011 - I have a Trumpet Creeper that I would like to transplant. How do you do that?
view the full question and answer
Vine for a trellis in Illinois
June 21, 2008 - I live in Nortrhern Illinois and am trying to keep my garden as native as possible. I would like to grow something on a trellis in part sun. It looks like a regional clematis is a possibility, but d...
view the full question and answer
Identification of vine with 4-petaled purple flower
May 30, 2012 - Does anybody know what vine has a purple four petaled flower with small bulb in middle??
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. |
