Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

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 you

ANSWER:

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


Mustang grape
Vitis mustangensis

Mustang grape
Vitis mustangensis

Virginia creeper
Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Trumpet creeper
Campsis radicans

Trumpet creeper
Campsis radicans

Scarlet clematis
Clematis texensis

More Vines Questions

How to get Poison Ivy?
November 22, 2015 - I know this is a silly question but we have a lot of poison ivy in the area and I know that birds eat the seeds and berries, can you get poison ivy from bird poop or track it in the house? From shoes ...
view the full question and answer

Flowering vine for shade in Southern California
May 11, 2012 - Flowering climbing plant for shade in Palm Desert, CA.
view the full question and answer

Vines for fence in Gatesville, Texas
July 26, 2010 - Dear Mr Smarty Plants, My wife and I are looking for a nice vine or Ivy for our chain link fence to add a little privacy. We have 4 dogs that bark at anything that moves. We live in Gatesville Tex...
view the full question and answer

Trailing milkvine, Matelea pubiflora, identified from seed pod
November 10, 2006 - I have a vine that has a seed pod that looks like okra. Inside the pod is a small flat seed and a cotton-looking fiber. Please help identify, if possible.
view the full question and answer

Vine for shady planter from Cedar Park TX
April 19, 2014 - We bought a home in Central Texas and inherited several raised-bed planters. One of the planters is set up to grow a vine, but it's in a part of the yard that is mostly in the shade of a tree. Is t...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.