Vines

plants · climbing · nature

What vines do. Vines grow long, flexible stems that either climb up trees and walls or spread across the ground like runners. They use these stems to reach sunlight and find new places to grow.

Two main types. Some vines climb by wrapping around things or using special gripping parts, while others trail along the ground spreading as they go. Both strategies help vines reach resources they need to survive.

Useful to humans. People have grown vines for thousands of years, especially grapevines for fruit and wine. Vines are also woven into baskets, chairs, and other crafts because their stems are bendy and strong.

Helpful in forests. Vines climb trees in jungles and forests, reaching high into the canopy where they get sunlight and help create highways for animals to move through the treetops.

Garden friends. Many common garden plants are vines, like ivy that covers walls, jasmine that smells sweet, and morning glories with pretty flowers that wind around fences.