Native Plants
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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - August 31, 2013
From: AUSTIN, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening, Vines
Title: Fence Vines for Austin, TX
Answered by: Larry Larson
QUESTION:
Hi, What are the best high density vine plants for coverage on chain link fence in Austin, TX? Thank youANSWER:
There are 15 Native Vines recommended for Austin [I actually used the recommended species for the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion]
Of those, these four are most notable towards your request for high density on a fence.
Vitis mustangensis (Mustang grape) is the vine you see draping trees and fences in the Hill Country, and would be good for your purpose.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) is cited as a vigorous grower.
Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper) is another aggressive grower, 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. [Maybe a bit too aggresive]
Clematis texensis (Scarlet clematis) is attractive for its red flowers and grows to a good height [It is relativelly non-agressive as compared to the above]
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Vines for fence, safe for horses in California
December 12, 2013 - I live in a fire prone part of Orange County, CA named Silverado and own horses. Am interested in fast growing vines to cover a fenced area which are horse safe. Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Control methods for Tribulus terrestris, Goatheads or Puncturevine
September 21, 2006 - We have some land that has so many goatheads we can't do anything with it. We would like to know what if anything will remove them from our place.
There has to be something out there that will kill ...
view the full question and answer
Need plants to cover a fence and retaining wall combination
January 27, 2010 - Recently we replaced our fence and I need help with plants to mask an 18 foot section of fence/retaining wall. The fence guy set the fence back about 10 inches from the top of the retaining wall which...
view the full question and answer
Is non-native mascagnia macroptera poisonous to animals from Hockley TX
February 17, 2014 - Is Mascagmia macroptra (Butterfly Vine) poisonous to animals (horses and dogs)?
view the full question and answer
Control of out-of-bounds Virginia creeper
September 16, 2007 - Our Virginia creeper (Woodbine) has outgrown its planned location this past summer. What is the best way to prune ivy stems for next years controlled growth?
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |