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 - May 08, 2015
From: Laredo, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification, Vines
Title: Identity of vining plants in yard in Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have vining plants in my back-yard, here when I bought the house, that, from what I have been able to find on-line, look like poison sumac, however, I know they are not. Leaf shape, color, and appearance seem to be almost identical, growth pattern of leaves is 13 to a stem, however, no red in the stem, just plain green, and currently nothing resembling any flower blooms or berries. I cannot seem to find this plant on-line or anyone who knows what it is. In all probability they were purchased from Lowe's, (I can find most of all the other plants in my front and back yard at Lowe's) however, currently, I don't seem to find anything at Lowe's that resemble theses, help!ANSWER:
The Wildflower Center's focus and expertise are in plants native to North America. If you suspect your unidentified vines are from Lowe's, it is highly unlikely that they are plants native to North America. Your best bet is to take photographs of the plant and visit our Plant Identification page where you will find links to plant identification forums that accept photos of plants for identification. Be sure to read the "Important Notes" at the bottom of the page with advice on taking and submitting photos.
More Plant Identification Questions
Identification of plant with seed heads like goat head
February 17, 2013 - Sir,
I collected some bizarre seed heads from some rough weeds around a stock tank in SE New Mexico. They resemble goat heads, with two long curving horns. I have photos but couldn't figure out how ...
view the full question and answer
Difference between Convallaria majalis and Convallaria majuscula
May 17, 2012 - How do you tell the difference in the native convallaria from the European species?
view the full question and answer
Identity of tree in Grant AL
November 26, 2009 - What is the name of the tree in N.E. Alabama that has a big green heart shaped leaf in Nov. with clusters or nuts & blonde small nuts the size of a pea . And deer are eating the small blonde nut in No...
view the full question and answer
Book for identifying Texas plants by dichotomous key from Seguin TX
October 12, 2009 - What is the best book(s) for identifying Texas plants using a dichotomous key?
view the full question and answer
Identification of small plant
May 31, 2011 - Hi, Mr. Smarty Plants,
We are doing a biology project where we have to identify certain plants found in our area. We encountered a infinity symbol-shaped light green plant, about 4 cm high, and light...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |