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_10.gif)
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
Diagnosis of problem with Parsley hawthorn
August 06, 2007 - I have a Crataegus marshallii (Parsley hawthorn) that is about 3 years old. It leafed out this spring and flowered lightly. As the summer has progressed, though, the leaves have been dropping premat...
view the full question and answer
Further question on sprouts from holly tree in Surprise AZ
November 16, 2010 - Thank you Barbara Medford for your response to my question about the sprouting holly tree in Surprise AZ. I took for granted that the tree I was talking about was a holly tree. I looked at pictures of...
view the full question and answer
Browned foliage on Juniperus ashei in Wimberley TX
April 03, 2011 - We are in Central Texas and have native "cedar" juniper trees. One with foliage that looked brown, on close inspection, is covered with white webs. The foliage looks like it is dying. No worms a...
view the full question and answer
Is Sabal minor juglone tolerant?
October 13, 2014 - Is Sabal minor or any other small and shade tolerant palm juglone tolerant? I’d like to plant one in an area near a pecan tree but I am not sure if they will play well together.
view the full question and answer
Bacterial spot in peach tree in McDade TX
February 05, 2009 - I have a Red Globe peach tree which was planted in February 2008. The local agricultural extension agent identified the tree as having Bacterial Spot in November 2008. They recommended copper hydrox...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |