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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - January 17, 2015
From: Baton Rouge, LA, LA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Shade Tolerant, Vines
Title: Thorny vines for a shady Louisiana fence
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
Do you know of a fast growing, non-invasive, thorny vine that I can grow along a shady fence row in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?ANSWER:
A climbing rose is the logical choice. Rosa setigera (Climbing prairie rose) would seem to be a good plant for your location. Other wild roses are not so well suited to your area. Another possibility is Smilax bona-nox (Saw greenbrier). You may not find the latter plant in a nursery, but it is commonly seen in shady thickets, at least in Texas. It grows fairly slowly, but provides a good barrier when mature.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
How to Control Poison Ivy
February 22, 2016 - We have lots of Poison Ivy on a site we are clearing it is adjacent to a pond and children are around this area all the time. We are creating hiking paths. I have a lot of experience but I do not wan...
view the full question and answer
Vine to cover pile of tree limbs
August 13, 2013 - I have a pile of tree limbs in my yard. I'd like to find a (flowering or not) vine type plant native to the Austin TX area that will eventually grow all over and cover this pile.
Thanks for any sug...
view the full question and answer
Patio Privacy Screen Suggestions for Central Texas
March 17, 2013 - I have just built a patio and want to plant some small trees, bushes or shrubs to form a visual barrier (rather than to erect a fence)to the neighbors yard.
view the full question and answer
Identification of thorny vine in Michigan
May 21, 2013 - We have a species growing around our rural SW Michigan property that I'm trying to identify: I either see stalks up to 3 ft tall, or much longer vines if they find anchor. The most notable characte...
view the full question and answer
Identification of a vine with red berries in Weatherford, Texas
October 17, 2014 - I have found a vine with red berries that I would appreciate an ID for. How can I send you a photo or two of it?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |