Native Vines and Ground Cover of Knoxville

Neighborhood Coordinator

Debbie Sharp
[email protected]
(865) 215-3232

400 Main St., Room 546
Knoxville, TN 37902

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Dutchman's pipe (Aristolochia)Dutchman's Pipe
This deciduous vine climbs 20-35 ft. by means of twining stems.  It is also the larval home of the pipevine swallowtail.
Crossvine (Bignonia)Crossvine
Hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers. An early nectar source for butterflies and hummingbirds. 
Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans)Trumpet Creeper
A fast-growing orange vine. It attracts hummingbirds and is a good choice for large fill areas.
Passionflower (Passiflora)Passionflower
Tennessee's state wildflower. Produces gorgeous flowers. The berries are loved by many birds.
Leatherflower (Clematis)Leatherflower
A herbaceous, perennial vine climbing up to 10 ft. by means of twining petioles. Leaves are divided into 3–5 pairs of leaflets. 
Virgin's bower (Clematis virginiana)Virgin's Bower
The flower's feathery tails or plumes give a hoary appearance and are especially showy in late summer.
Climbing hydrangea (Decumaria)Climbing Hydrangea
Though it can be used as both a trailing ground cover and a climber, it will only bloom when climbing.
Atlantic wisteria (Wisteria)Atlantic Wisteria
Individual flowers are nearly 1 inch long and are lilac or bluish purple and quite fragrant. Attractive to butterflies.
Mouse-eared coreopsis (Coreopsis)Mouse-eared Coreopsis
The attractive foliage of the leafy rosettes persists through most of the winter. Flowers attract butterflies. Seeds attract songbirds.
Dwarf crested iris (Iris)Dwarf-crested Iris
Crested ridges called beards occur along the band.  The flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Rattlesnake plantains (Goodyera)Rattlesnake Plantains
This plant has a cluster of white flowers atop its stem. The name refers to the mottled leaves, which resemble snake skin.
Foamflower (Tiarella)Foamflower
It spreads by underground stems, forms colonies, and makes excellent ground cover for shady, wooded sites.
Carolina phlox (Phlox)Carolina Phlox
Thick-leaf phlox flowers are lavender to pink. Continues to bloom intermittently until frost. It also attracts butterflies. 
Wild blue phlox (Phlox)Wild Blue Phlox
Flowers attract butterflies and the roots are consumed by rabbits and voles.
Maidenhair fern (Adiantum)Maidenhair Fern
This graceful, fan-like pattern is unique among native ferns. It also provides shelter for toads and lizards.
Partridge berry (Mitchella)Partridge Berry
Fruit consumed by Ruffed Grouse, Bobwhite Quail, turkeys, skunks, and White-footed Mice.


Source: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center