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 - February 07, 2011
From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seasonal Tasks, Vines
Title: Should grape vines be covered in winter from San Antonio
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Do I need to cover grape vines in winter?ANSWER:
In Central Texas, grape vines go all over everywhere; you would need one heck of a freeze cover to do that. As you drive on the highways in Central Texas, notice all the grapevines running over the fences and trees. In the winter, you don't see them. Most vines are deciduous anyway, and resprout (vigorously!) when the weather begins to warm.
The most common grapevines in Central Texas are Vitis mustangensis (Mustang grape) and, as you can see from this USDA Plant Profile map, grow natively around Bexar County. These vines are deep-rooted, counting on the warmth of the earth to keep them going until Spring.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Plants for a children's playground
April 20, 2015 - We have extensive native gardens on our 2 acre property, but my children want a garden of their own with plants they can hide under and that are good for imaginative play. Are there any native plants...
view the full question and answer
Plants in bloom in April in Stuart FL
February 24, 2012 - Can you tell me which plants I might reasonably expect to see in bloom in April of this year?
view the full question and answer
Are vines harmful to bricks and mortar?
July 09, 2010 - I am really fond of native vines such as crossvine, coral honeysuckle, American wisteria and carolina jessamine.
I love the look of vines on walls and I would like to add this to a landscape design. ...
view the full question and answer
Identification of vine-like plant.
November 13, 2010 - I have a an odd plant that I bought years ago. It's like a vine. It has hard rubbery like leaves they turn inward and they are green. First a cone like shape grows then the leaves grow. I would like ...
view the full question and answer
Pruning time for Smoke Tree (Cotinus obovatus)
February 13, 2006 - Gentlemen: I have a Texas Smoke Tree (Cotinus obovatus). It's doing very well & I wish to prune it before its leaves come out. I understand there are a few trees you don't prune, among them birch. I...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |