Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

DONATE TODAY

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Monday - April 26, 2010

From: Augusta, GA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Vines
Title: Plant identification for vine in Georgia
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

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. Each ball is the size of a mans fist. The main artery of each vine has single leaves growing. No clusters. Live here all my life and the first time I have seen this vine. Do not want to destroy in case it is a plant not documented. Thank you.

ANSWER:

From your description we don't recognize your vine as one of the vines native to Georgia.  If you will send us photos, however, we will do our very best to identify it.  Please visit Mr. Smarty Plants' Plant Identification page to read instructions for submitting photos.  Please be sure to include close up photos of both the leaves and the flowers and an overall picture of the vine in your cypress tree
 

More Vines Questions

Propagation of wild grape vines
July 14, 2004 - How can I propagate wild grape vines where I want them to grow?
view the full question and answer

Invasive possibly non-native vine in Largo FL
October 03, 2009 - I have vines taking over my backyard, climbing all over the ground and up trees. The vines are huge, non-flowering giant leaves that look like elephant ears. What are these and how can they be contain...
view the full question and answer

Growing Crossvine on a Wrought Iron Fence in Austin
September 02, 2012 - I would like to plant crossvine along a wrought iron fence. Will it damage the fence or the stucco posts?
view the full question and answer

Vine for trellis in Brooklyn, New York
June 11, 2014 - Hello, I am looking for a native vine to grow on a trellis in a large container. I live in Brooklyn, NY, and the area is in part shade. Thank you.
view the full question and answer

Fence Vines for Austin, TX
August 31, 2013 - Hi, What are the best high density vine plants for coverage on chain link fence in Austin, TX? Thank you
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.