Question

unknown vine   QUESTION: can you tell me what this is, we live on a creek, this was growing at the waters edge up a privot bush....


Milkvine  
Matelea   ANSWER: Hi Curt,

This is a Milkvine (Matalea sp).  Some people call it climbing Milkweed, and there is a variety known as Alabama Shiny Pod, but there are many species occurring in Alabama.  I'd be guessing which species this is.  If it's a Matalea species, it should form a pod after flowering, and the plant should bleed a white sap if injured - hence the name "Milk vine".  I am attaching another photo for comparison.  Thanks so much for your question.
Susan  

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unknown vine  
unknown vine   QUESTION: hi susan...i have been looking for the name of this vine for years...i have never seen it bloom, i pass it daily, it is one of two vines down on the waters edge in our back yard...have not seen it any place else, and i have walked this creek up and down...if you need more pictures let me know, thank you for all your help....curt


giant poison ivy   ANSWER: Hi Curt,

I need more hints.  Does the vine just twine itself up the tree or does it actually adhere to it by means of aerial roots?  Pictures can be deceptive,so how long and how wide are the leaves? In the pictures, the vine appears to be woody rather than green - is this correct?  Does it bleed if broken, and what color is the sap, if any?  I can't tell how the leaves are arranged on the vine, ie, alternate, opposite, etc. Also, sometimes poison ivy gets so big, it's barely recognizable as the leaflets are so far apart.  I'll attach a photo to show you what I mean.  Any further descriptions or photos you can send me will help.  If I can't find it myself, I'll send the photos on to some botanists.
Thanks,
Susan

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small starters going u  

vine   QUESTION: hi Susan...got some good close-up photo's for you, seems it adheres by aerial roots...i have some of the giant poison ivy so i know its not that, but i did not break a stem, as was out of gloves for protection in case it is poisonous....if these pictures do not help, i will get some gloves and break a stem later....thank you...curt.

Answer
Hi Curt,

I've sent photos of your vine and all descriptive info to Dr. Curtis J. Hansen who is the curator of plants at Auburn University.  In the meantime, I will keep looking.  Thanks so much for your question.  It gives me an opportunity to learn more.
Thanks,
Susan

Curt,

Dr. Hansen says it is climbing Hydrangea (Decumaria Barbara).  He says that, like you, he never sees it bloom.  Here in Louisiana, I have seen it blooming, and perhaps that is the only way I recognize it.  I had considered this plant, and dismissed it.  Thanks for providing me with brain fodder.  If you'd like a copy of his findings, please let me know.  
([email protected])
Susan