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_20.gif)
Wednesday - July 06, 2011
From: Granville, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Plant Identification, Vines
Title: Identification of a vine with purple flowers
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I'm trying to identify a vine-like plant growing in my yard to determine if it is a weed or should be kept around. It has small purple flowers with a small yellow center, looking like a mini honeysuckle; about the size of a penny. The plant has green berries or seed pods, small, about the size of a pencil eraser. While similar to a vine it has a light colored tan/grey bark.ANSWER:
First of all, remember that one person's weed is another person's wildflower. If you like the vine and it isn't an invasive species, I see no reason why you shouldn't keep it and enjoy it. Now let's see if we can figure out what it might be.
If you do (as I did) a COMBINATION SEARCH in our Native Plant Database choosing 'New York' from Select State of Province, 'Vine' from Habit (general appearance) and 'Pink', 'Blue', 'Purple' and 'Violet' from Bloom Characteristics–Color, you will see 20 species of vines native to New York. Here are some from that search that sound a bit like your description:
Clitoria mariana (Atlantic pigeonwings)
Clematis occidentalis var. occidentalis (Purple clematis) and here are more photos.
Lathyrus japonicus (Beach pea) and here are photos and information.
Lathyrus palustris (Marsh pea)
Strophostyles helvola (Amberique-bean) and here are more photos and information.
Vicia americana (American vetch)
There is a good possibility that your plant is not a North American native. Here are a few non-native invasive vines that occur in New York that somewhat like your description. These are ones you would definitely want to remove.
Akebia quinata (chocolate vine)
Jacquemontia tamnifolia (smallflower morningglory)
Lathyrus latifolius (everlasting peavine)
Vicia cracca (bird vetch) and here are photos.
Vicia villosa (hairy vetch) and here are photos.
Vinca minor (common periwinkle)
It is also possible that your vine is non-native, but not considered invasive and I haven't shown it above. If none of the ones I've shown above is your vine, please visit our Plant Identification page to find links to plant identification forums that might be able to help you. All of the identification forum links allow you to submit photos for identification.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
South Austin Groundcovers for Oak Shade
March 29, 2013 - Hi! I live in S. Austin now but used to work at the Wildflower Center! My backyard is shady with several oak mots. Do you have any suggestions as to what if any ground cover will grow in all that sha...
view the full question and answer
Conditions for wisteria bloom on Ontario, Canada
November 05, 2005 - I live in Ontario Canada, and about 4 years ago I bought a shrub which was called wisteria. I loved this bush when I visited a cousin out in British Columbia. The problem is it has no trouble growing ...
view the full question and answer
Deer Resistant Vine for California
July 24, 2013 - What can I plant to cover a retaining wall in Redwood City, CA that will grow down on it (no dirt below) that deer will not eat? I have just about given up. I have tried jasmine and Gelsemium and regu...
view the full question and answer
Non-native, invasive creeping fig in Webster TX
May 26, 2013 - We've recently moved into a new home in the southeast Houston area. The back of our property has a long concrete wall (gets quite a bit of sun), which we thought we could cover with a spreading vine....
view the full question and answer
Vine for house in partial sun in Vermont
July 27, 2008 - we are looking for a climbing vine against the east side of our house, partial sun but need at least 20 feet tall, in zone 4, vermont
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |