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)
Friday - August 13, 2010
From: Gatlinburg, TN
Region: Southeast
Topic: Propagation, Vines
Title: Need some information about wild native grapes in Gatlinburg, TN.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
We have some wild grapevines growing on a southern exposure eroded bank. They are providing assistance in reducing erosion with rapid growth. Do these plants develop ground contact as they grow? In Tennessee, do they die back in the winter? Thanks!ANSWER:
In looking through our our database, the native wild grapes in Siever County are likely to be one of the of the following:
Vitis riparia (riverbank grape) (more information)
Vitis rotundifolia (muscadine) (more information)
Vitis vulpina (frost grape) (more information) {scroll to the bottom of the page}
As grape vines grow, they produce modified stems called tendrils that allow them to latch on to every thing in their path that will help them get their leaves up into the sunlight. They generally don't produce adventitions roots which would attach the stem to the soil.
Grapes are perennials and lose their leaves and enter a dormant phase during the winter.
More Vines Questions
How to prune wild mustang grape vines.
July 11, 2011 - Now that my mustang grapes are harvested. When can I trim them out of the tree top and redirect them to an arbor where I can reach them next year?
The main vine is at least 3" across. The vines from...
view the full question and answer
Identifying vine in Alabama
June 16, 2008 - I have a vine growing on my fence and I need help identifying it. The leaves are a large and medium green oval shaped and along the vine there are clusters of tiny(really tiny) flowers.They are a pale...
view the full question and answer
Flowering vine for shade in Southern California
May 11, 2012 - Flowering climbing plant for shade in Palm Desert, CA.
view the full question and answer
Do monarchs like Cynachum laeve in Austin, TX?
May 29, 2012 - I have found what I believe is Honeyvine (Cynanchum laeve)
growing in my yard here in Austin. I tried using the LBJWC
plant data base and could not find it. I also found the plant with a diff...
view the full question and answer
How to get rid of Phytolacca americana (American pokeweed)
October 02, 2013 - Mr. Smarty-Pants, I have pokeweed growing all over my backyard. I know this plant is poisonous, how do I get rid of it for good? Also, a broad leaf vine that is swallowing my trees whole.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |