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 - April 23, 2013
From: Saugerties, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Shade Tolerant, Vines
Title: Vines for Shade in Upstate New York
Answered by: Brigid & Larry Larson
QUESTION:
Hello! I am looking for a non-invasive vine that will grow in heavy shade near my house in upstate New York.ANSWER:
Mr Smarty Plants has a few recommendations for you. Several native vines grow well in New York, so the choice within the first three or four of the list below depends mostly on the other characteristics you may desire.
The New York “Recommended Plant List” has several vines listed. Of those, Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) appears to be the tamest. The record indicates it climbs by adhesive pads, which means it doesn’t damage walls as much, and it specifically was noted as significantly tamer than the trumpet creeper. It also appears to tolerate shade well.
There were several other vines on the list. They are [in rough order of how well they fit your request]:
Wisteria frutescens (American wisteria)
Clematis occidentalis var. occidentalis (Purple clematis) - - - can be an aggressive self-seeder, tolerates shade.
Vitis riparia (Riverbank grape)
Celastrus scandens (American bittersweet)
Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper) however, its record indicates it sometimes colonizes so densely it seems a nuisance, particularly in the southeast, where its invasive qualities have earned it the names Hellvine and Devils Shoestring.
Amphicarpaea bracteata (American hogpeanut)
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Growing native vines in pots from Houston
May 28, 2012 - I am writing in regards to your often mentioned issue of plants not doing as well in pots and in the ground.
After last years drought, i moved all the plants I had that were in danger of dying of t...
view the full question and answer
Need some information about wild native grapes in Gatlinburg, TN.
August 13, 2010 - We have some wild grapevines growing on a southern exposure eroded bank. They are providing assistance in reducing erosion with rapid growth. Do these plants develop ground contact as they grow? In...
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
Identification of vine with gourd-like fruit
June 30, 2010 - We live on a farm, and I have noticed a vine that has leaves like grapes, but produces this flower, and a fruit that is rather large, shaped like a gourd, right now green in color. It is growing over ...
view the full question and answer
Vines for arbor in North Carolina
September 14, 2008 - Please identify vines that can be used for an arbor that fronts my garage and a portion of the house. Living in Zone 6, the arbor faces southwest. My interest is that the vine be non-invasive because...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |