• As a class of plants, flowering vines have many unusual characteristics. These woody plants have thin stems which require support and will climb up any rigid structure to obtain it. That structure might be sections of lattice, a trellis, a section of fence or the trunk and limbs of a nearby tree. The U.S. is home to a number of native flowering vines, including the western clematis and American wisteria. Another species, Carolina jessamine, is the official state flower of South Carolina.
  
  

Wild Grape

• Wild grape (Vitis riparia), also known as riverbank grape, is a native woody vine which may grow to a length or height of 50 feet. If there is no supporting structure for it to climb, it will run along the surface of the soil. In the spring, the plant produces small fragrant flowers which naturally attract honey bees. After pollination, each will begin forming a cluster of sour-tasting grapes that ripen to maturity in the early autumn. In the wild, the vine will often grow up into the limbs of adjacent trees, and, if not removed, may eventually smother its helpless host.
  
  

Carolina Jessamine

• As a species, Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is a much more desirable vine than a wild grape. Native to the states of the "Old South," it may grow to a length of 20 feet. The plant is valued for its shiny dark-green foliage and fragrant yellow trumpet-shaped blossoms. As such, it is often used as an ornamental or landscaping plant because it will readily climb fences. As a hardy native plant, it has few natural enemies. Unfortunately, the flowers, roots, and foliage have toxic properties, so it is not welcome near the grazing areas of livestock.
  
  

American Wisteria

• You can easily understand and appreciate the popularity of the American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens). After it leafs out in the spring, this native deciduous vine produces long drooping clusters of bluish-purple flowers. Reaching an ultimate height of about 30 feet, the American wisteria is often planted as an ornamental. It will readily climb a trellis, latticework or cover the entire surface of a garden arch. It is a pretty flowering vine that requires only a minimal amount of care.
  
  

Western Clematis

• Western clematis (Clematis ligusticifolia) is a deciduous woody vine native to the Great Plains. The stem of an individual specimen may reach a length of over 60 feet and will blossom throughout the entire summer displaying small clusters of white flowers. Because it is firmly anchored with a long taproot and requires only minimal rainfall to survive, it is an ideal erosion control plant. If planted along the fence line of a pasture, it will climb and form a natural barrier, helping to prevent wind-driven soil erosion.