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 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 Invasive Plants Questions
Removal of Ashe juniper trees
April 19, 2015 - I have 15 acres with scattered huge oak and elm trees with tens of thousands of Ashe Juniper (cedar) trees 2” to 10” in diameter growing within the drip zone of the hardwoods. How do I take out the c...
view the full question and answer
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
July 02, 2014 - Foxglove (digitalis purpurea) is not a native U.S. plant. It was introduced to the U.S. from Europe and is now considered invasive in many parts of the western U.S. It invades our forested wild land...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native, invasive Japanese Privet from Peoria AZ
July 31, 2013 - I have Japanese Privit bushes. one out of 6 has started to grow very small leaves and does not look healthy. Moon Valley told me shortage of zinc, but that has not helped in 3 months.
What can I ...
view the full question and answer
Is Mimosa pudica poisonous from Janesville WI
February 21, 2014 - I have just recently learned of Mimosa Pudica also known as the sensitive plant. I see using the USDA website that it can be found in the USA so I think that covers the North America aspect. I have b...
view the full question and answer
Identity of Dwarf Oyster Plant.
June 02, 2009 - I purchased a plant from the local Home Depot, and it said on the sticker in was a Dwarf Oyster Plant. I can't seem to find any information on that name, so maybe it was marked wrong. See if you ca...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |