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 - October 22, 2012
From: Cherokee, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Vines
Title: Vine for a fence in San Saba County, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I want to plant vines on a deer proof fence close to my house for privacy. Are there any vines that stay green year round? Also what breed of vine would you recommend for several hundred feet of fence line? Don't care about flowering, only concerned about hardy fast growing plants that will cover a fence. Thanks.ANSWER:
Here are a list of native vines that have been reported on the USDA Plants Database as growing in San Saba County or in an adjacent county. Unfortunately, there are no evergreen native vines for San Saba County. Ampelposis arborea (Peppervine) is reported as being semi-evergreen which means that it will not lose all its leaves in mild winters. You should read the GROWING CONDITIONS on the species page for each one to determine which ones would do the best for your area. You might consider trying several different vines to see which gives the best coverage and grows quickly.
Ampelopsis arborea (Peppervine) is fast-growing. Our database says that it is deciduous to semi-evergreen. Here is more information from the Texas A&M Aggie Horticulture site.
Ampelopsis cordata (Heartleaf peppervine) is also fast-growing. Here is more information from the Texas A&M Aggie Horitculture site.
Vitis cinerea var. helleri (Winter grape) produces edible grapes. Here are more photos and information from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas-Austin.
Vitis mustangensis (Mustang grape) produces grapes that wildlife (e.g., raccoons and opossums) enjoy. For humans, however, they are not very palatable eaten off the vine, but will make a very delicious jelly and are often used in winemaking. Here is more information from Texas A&M Aggie Horitculture and photos and information from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas-Austin.
Vitis monticola (Sweet mountain grape) produces edible grapes. Here is more information from Texas A&M Aggie Horticulture.
Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper) is a vine that is found over much of the eastern US, but has been cultivated for its beautiful foliage and flowers. It tolerates heat, cold and drought. The USDA Plants Database distribution map shows that it has been reported as growing in San Saba. Here is more information from the Texas A&M Aggie Horticulture site.
Clematis drummondii (Drummond's clematis) Here is more information from the Texas A&M Aggie Horticulture site and photos from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas-Austin.
Cocculus carolinus (Carolina snailseed) Here is more information from Missouri Botanical Gardens and from Texas A&M Aggie Horticulture.
Ibervillea lindheimeri (Lindheimer's globeberry) Here are more photos and information from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin.
Ipomoea cordatotriloba var. cordatotriloba (Tievine) Here are more photos and information from the Houston Audubon Society.
Lonicera albiflora (Western white honeysuckle) Here are photos and more information from Texas A&M Aggie Horticulture.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Vine for Chain Link Fence in Virginia
March 25, 2015 - I am from Great Falls, Virginia. I would like to know what the best vine is to grow on aluminum fences to cover them up quickly but also doesn't damage expensive fences in a long term?
view the full question and answer
10 year old Wisteria fails to bloom in Rockwall, TX.
May 15, 2013 - I love wisteria. I had four (4) wisteria plants professionally planted at least ten (10) years ago. These wisteria plants have NEVER bloomed. Why not?
view the full question and answer
Identity of vine growing in Kentucky.
August 11, 2013 - I have a vine I can't identify. The leaf is heart shaped and the vine is fuzzy. The blooms is just now starting to bloom. They are small red and some white in it. The bloom sort of remind you of a c...
view the full question and answer
Purple leatherflower with white bloom
July 17, 2014 - A couple of years ago at the wildflower center native plant sale I bought a purple leatherflower according to the tag. This is the first year it has bloomed and the blooms are pure white. The shape ma...
view the full question and answer
Transplanting Virginia creeper
September 02, 2008 - I have a large Virginia creeper plant approximately 15 feet in length. Is it possible to transplant the whole thing without killing it? If so how do I care for it after it has been moved? Thank yo...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |