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
Friday - August 09, 2013
From: New Caney, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification, Vines
Title: Mystery berries on vine in Montgomery County, TX
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
While out in the woods today on Caney Creek near Grangerland, Texas, I found what I thought to be some grapes on a vine hanging down from a tree. I brought the vine down, but when I got it home to process the berries, I noticed the leaves were not that of a wild Texas grape. There were no thorns on the vine and the leaves were scarce. The leaves themselves are about 1 1/2" long, shiny, bright green, and are between 1/2" to 1" wide. The berries are reddish purple to purple, 1/2" in diameter and are in clusters of around 8-10 berries. There are more than one cluster on a stem of the vine. The berries have a purple skin that stains, a white/clear center with seeds just like a wild grape. I have pictures but can't submit them via this page. Any help in identifying my mystery berries would be appreciated.ANSWER:
From your description of the leaves, it sounds as if you have found one of the vines of the greenbrier family. There are a couple with leaves similarly shaped that grow in Montgomery County or in an adjacent county. They are both described as sometimes having thorns—but not always. From the Family Smilacaceae (Greenbrier Family):
Smilax smallii (Lanceleaf greenbrier) with mostly spineless stems. Here is more information from Georgia Wildlife Federation and more photos from Discover Life. Here is the USDA Plant Database Texas county distribution map with this species shown growing in Walker, San Jacinto and Harris counties.
Smilax laurifolia (Laurel greenbriar) may have spines or may be spineless. Here is more information and photos from Virginia Tech. Here is the USDA Plants Database Texas county distribution map with it shown in Walker County.
Here are some members of the Family Vitaceae (Grape Family) that occur in Montgomery County or an adjacent county that could potentially be your vine. These would all have fruits with flesh and seeds very similar to grapes.
Ampelopsis arborea (Peppervine) Here is the USDA Plants Database Texas county distribution map.
Ampelopsis cordata (Heartleaf peppervine) Here is the USDA Plants Database Texas county distribution map.
Vitis rotundifolia (Muscadine) Here is the USDA Plants Database Texas county distribution map.
Vitis vulpina (Frost grape) Here is the USDA Plants Database Texas county distribution map.
Vitis mustangensis (Mustang grape) Here is the USDA Plants Database Texas county distribution map.
If none of these are the plant you found, please visit our Plant Identification page to find links to several plant identification forums that will accept photos of plants for identification.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Plant identification for vine in Georgia
April 26, 2010 - A wild vine is taking over our cypress tree. Cypress tree is in our yard beside the fence. Very thick woods behind our fence. Leafs, on vine, resemble small maple leafs. It has orange flower balls....
view the full question and answer
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
Duplicate request for information from Austin
August 30, 2012 - I am considering planting cross vine on a wrought iron fence. Will it cause any damage to the wrought iron or stucco posts?
view the full question and answer
Vine in New Braunfels for Baytown, TX
July 25, 2009 - I have seen a vine in New Braunfels that looks nothing like the trumpet vine or trumpet creeper; however, the flower is almost identical. The flower is more pink though, and the leaves look more like...
view the full question and answer
Smarty Plants on hyacinth bean vine
July 01, 2005 - I'm looking for what I believe is a wild vine. All i know is that it has purplish colored beans and the flowers are also purple. Also the vine itself is purplish. i believe that the vine is either fro...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |