Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Monday - May 28, 2007
From: Hico, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Vines
Title: Identification of possible Hairy Cluster Vine or Clematis
Answered by: Barbara Medford and Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
I found a small twining vine with purple to lavender, tubular flowers hanging on one side of the stem. The leaves are very narrow and alternate about 3/4"-1" long. I found them on the side of the road in Duffau or Hico TX. What is the plants name and is this plant native?ANSWER:
Without seeing a picture of this plant, my best guess is that it is a Hairy Cluster Vine, Jacquemontia tamnifolia, a member of the Convolvulaceae family, the Morning Glory family. Another possibility is Purple Leatherflower, Clematis pitcheri. However, it is very difficult to correctly identify a species from written descriptions. If it is possible to send us a digital image of the plant in flower, please do so. You may send images to [email protected]. Usually, sharply-focused close-ups of foliage and flowers are most useful.
More Vines Questions
Care and fruiting time of pumpkins
October 06, 2007 - This is my first year growing pumpkin. I have a good vine with flowers now & then, but I still don't see a little pumpkin forming. What am I doing wrong?
view the full question and answer
Need suggestions for a vine to grow on a fence in Crossville, TN
April 28, 2010 - I would like your suggestions on a vine to grow on a fence in part shade that would look good in winter as well as summer, if possible, for a site in Crossville, TN.
view the full question and answer
Need a vine to cover a 8' cinder block wall in Fullerton, CA.
August 23, 2010 - Hi- I have a 8' cinder block wall that gets full sun, and need to find either a flowering shrub that would cover, or a vine that wouldn't be to hard to manage, or would not need to
use a trellis....
view the full question and answer
Vine to cover concrete retaining wall in Georgetown TX
March 02, 2013 - I have an unsightly concrete retaining wall and culvert covers that require fast coverage from a vine of some sort. The plant must be deer resistant and drought tolerant. The retaining wall and culv...
view the full question and answer
Plant Suggestions for Flower Boxes in NY
July 06, 2016 - I am doing a project for a friend that had some flower boxes built along his driveway. They are along a hill leading up to his porch. They are made of all wood and have a wooden wall along the not-hil...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |