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
Friday - August 03, 2012
From: Fredericksburg, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Invasive Plants, Vines
Title: Invasive trumpet vine from Fredericksburg TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have a large trumpet vine growing on a dead tree stump. My problem is that new baby trumpet vines are coming up all over my yard. I mow them, but is there anything I can use to prevent new trumpet vines from sprouting up in my grass?ANSWER:
A mantra often chanted by Mr. Smarty Plants is: "The best way to control invasive plants is to never plant them."
We are assuming you are referring to Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper). Please follow this link to our webpage and read all of it to find out why, although it is beautiful and attracts hummingbirds, we do not recommend it. Possibly what you have is Bignonia capreolata (Crossvine), which is a related vine that is not quite so pushy. Neither is native to Gillespie County, but that has never stopped them yet.
Since this is by no means a new question for us, please read this previous question, which has some more informative links, from Austin TX.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Identification of purchased vine
November 11, 2010 - Hi,
I bought a hanging vine plant, and came with no id. The leaves are simple, alternate arrangement, entire margin (smooth edge margin). It has an ashy look, like the green purple sage. The flower ...
view the full question and answer
Vine for Chain Link Fence in Virginia
March 25, 2015 - I am from Great Falls, Virginia. I would like to know what the best vine is to grow on aluminum fences to cover them up quickly but also doesn't damage expensive fences in a long term?
view the full question and answer
Flowering vine with yellow flowers in Nevada
August 10, 2014 - A flowering vine started growing in our Henderson back yard about 2 months ago. It has variegated green leaves & yellow flowers. We decided not to pull it out & now it's spreading. I've looked on v...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen vine for San Diego, California
July 11, 2010 - I am looking for an evergreen (San Diego) vine to grow on a newly constructed trellis. Its 12' tall by 8' wide and is on the North side of the house. That area seems to only get sun June and July ...
view the full question and answer
Non-blooming of Campsis radicans, Trumpet Vine
August 25, 2006 - I have a trumpet vine that does not bloom. My neighbor has the same plant and it blooms profusely. I have pruned the vine in February as was suggested on another site. It is healthy and is planted a...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |