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

Saturday - July 23, 2011
From: Belchertown, MA
Region: Northeast
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Pests
Title: Trumpet creeper with ants in Belchertown MA
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
My Campsis Vine is having one of the maximum blossom years it gets after a good pruning. This year, I have black carpenter ants on the blossoms and the flowers are rotting from the edges down on some of the clusters I can't figure out exactly what the ants are doing to cause this. I want to stop the ants from accessing the vine. I have been unable to find any commentary on this topic. I have pets I always try to use natural remedies. You are my last resort. Any advice?ANSWER:
According to this article from Floridata, "Ants inhabit the blossoms - or perhaps they're shopping for nectar. At any rate if you cut trumpet vines for indoor arrangements go over them carefully to flush out any creature that may be lurking within the trumpet's depths."
Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper) may be infested by aphids. They pierce the leaves, and subsist on the nutrients they suck out. They are very small and white, usually found on the underside of the leaves, and lay lots of eggs. If this is going on you will find a white substance that is exuded by the aphids; this may get moldy and turn black-it is referred to as "honeydew." Where do the ants come in? They are farmers, and their herds are aphids. The ants feed on the honeydew, and take it back to their nest to feed the young, as well. They will fiercely protect the aphids from predators, but they don't chew on the plant.
Another reference we saw referred to sooty mold that often gets on the flowers, which doesn't particularly hurt anything, but is unattractive. It often indicates poor air circulation and/or not enough sunlight.
Let's talk about carpenter ants. This article from University of Nebraska has pictures and an explanation on Carpenter Ant Management. In this case, your concern would not be on the damage the ants might be doing to the trumpet creeper, but what the trumpet creeper is climbing and can the ants be damaging that? In other words, if your plant is climbing up a wooden fence or house, those ants may just be using the vine for transportation into other parts of the structure, and they are very destructive.
One last word, we would suggest you read this Dave's Garden Forum on Campsis radicans, especially the negative comments. You might decide you really don't want that trumpet creeper all that much.
From the Image Gallery
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Brown flakes on prickly pear in Los Angeles
June 03, 2008 - I live in Los Angeles CA. I have desert type plants in my landscape. I have prickly pear cactus that have developed some light brown, almost golden flakes on the skin of the pads. I believe it is call...
view the full question and answer
Bugbane Leaf Blotch
January 24, 2013 - My bugbanes (Cimicifuga/Actaea) seem to suffer from black blotches on the leaves in the summer. This happens even when they have adequate moisture. I also see it on the ones growing wild. Is this a fu...
view the full question and answer
Problems in germination of Asclepias tuberosa in New York
August 31, 2006 - I am a member of the Native Plant Center at Westchester Community College and I need information on Acleptis tuberosa. I am in USDA zone 6.
Last year I planted fresh seeds purchased from Johnny's S...
view the full question and answer
Potted Plumbago, struggling with the heat, in Spring Texas
June 29, 2011 - Why do some of the leaves of my plumbagos that are grown in large, well-draining planters turn brown? The brown starts on the tips, then extends to the whole leaf. They get several hours of west aft...
view the full question and answer
New Jersey Tea shrub wilting and losing leaves
December 30, 2013 - I have New Jersey Tea shrubs transplanted last spring from nursery stock (18 tall, grown local) I live in SE WI. They are planted in part shade. There has been 6" of snow on the ground for weeks now...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |