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_43.gif)
Friday - May 20, 2011
From: Arlington, MA
Region: Northeast
Topic: Invasive Plants
Title: Native invasives question from Arlington MA
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
When I searched your website for creepers in Massachusetts, I found the following recommendations: Campsis radicans and Parthenocissus quinquefolia. But in response to a reader's question, you called Campsis radicans an "invasive" plant. Does that mean that the website's recommendations include invasive and noninvasive plants? If so, how I screen your recommendations to identify native, non-invasive species?ANSWER:
Every plant on our website is native to North America. Some natives, as well as non-natives, can be invasive, but when an invasive native appears to be the plant the person wants or can use, we always warn that it can be invasive. Our Recommended Species section for Massachusetts does not include Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper), but it does appear in our Native Plant Database, with this caution:
"Native to eastern North America as far north as New York and Ontario, this vine is often cultivated for its attractive, reddish orange flowers and can escape cultivation, sometimes colonizing so densely it seems a nuisance, particularly in the southeast, where its invasive qualities have earned it the names Hellvine and Devils Shoestring. Its rapid colonization by suckers and layering makes it useful for erosion control, however, and its magnificent flowers never fail to attract Ruby-throated Hummingbirds within its range. Adapted to eastern forests, Trumpet creeper grows tall with support. It climbs by means of aerial rootlets, which, like English Ivy, can damage wood, stone, and brick. To keep it in check, plant it near concrete or an area that you can mow; mowing down the suckers will discourage them. Fairly drought tolerant within its range. Blooms most in full sun."
We have listed as many plants native to North America as we can in our database, but that does not mean we recommend every one of them. Toxicodendron radicans (Eastern poison ivy) is listed there also as being native to Massachusetts, but is certainly not recommended. Because Massachusetts is in a colder USDA Hardiness Zone, that alone should control Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper) and avoid it being invasive, but in the longer warm seasons of the Southeast, it certainly could be.
In contrast, Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) is listed in our Recommended Species for Massachusetts. This information on our webpage for this plant includes this paragraph:
"Virginia Creeper can be used as a climbing vine or ground cover, its leaves carpeting any surface in luxuriant green before turning brilliant colors in the fall. Its tendrils end in adhesive-like tips, giving this vine the ability to cement itself to walls and therefore need no support. The presence of adhesive tips instead of penetrating rootlets also means it doesnt damage buildings the way some vines do. It is one of the earliest vines to color in the fall. A vigorous grower, it tolerates most soils and climatic conditions."
So you see, just because we list a plant, and note that it is native to a certain area, certainly does not mean in every case that we are recommending it, but that we try to provide accurate information on every native plant that might be considered. Different soils, climates, rainfall and season length affect every plant, and determines whether that plant will do well or poorly in a specific area.
From the Image Gallery
More Invasive Plants Questions
Possibility of camas being raised in Edmonton, Alberta
September 18, 2007 - I live in Edmonton, Alberta, and wish to find out how "Camassia (leichtlinii white) will fare in this zone.
view the full question and answer
Request for native grasses from Hillsboro TX
August 04, 2012 - P.S. I forgot to mention one very important fact: my neighbor specifically asked for "native grass" recommendations. He thought he was getting a native grass recommendation.
view the full question and answer
Will native plants become invasive from Grapevine TX
February 23, 2013 - Main Question - I want to convert my front and back yards into a native plant sanctuary but worry about if these plants growing out of control/invasive and if neighbors will complain about these "wee...
view the full question and answer
Looking for lunaria in VA
May 06, 2011 - Where in the state of Virginia or North Carolina can I purchase the Lunaria annual plant? (the purple leaf lunaria annual plant)
view the full question and answer
Reply on Carolina Jasmine from San Antonio
March 06, 2009 - Thank you for your prompt reply to my question from San Antonio about removal of Carolina Jasmine. Just one note. In the "rate this answer" section my cursor dropped. I meant to give you four stars....
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |