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.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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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!

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Friday - November 08, 2013

From: Jackson, TN
Region: Select Region
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Identification of a vine in Tennessee
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I am trying to identify a vine growing on the ground under what looks to be a holly bush. I have pictures of it if there is an email I can send them to? Thank You!!!!

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants would love to be able to offer a native plant identification service by looking at your photos. Several years ago we did this but were so overwhelmed with requests that we had to stop—we didn't have enough staff or volunteers to do that AND answer all the question Mr. Smarty Plants receives as well. I have two suggestions that might help you find the identity of your vine:

1. On our Native Plant Database page do a COMBINATION SEARCH by choosing "Tennessee" from the Select State or Province option and "Vine" from Habit (General Appearance). This will give you a list of more than 70 native vines that you can scroll through. Most have photos with them.