How to Identify Silver Lace Vine

The Silver Lace Vine is well-loved and as graceful as its elegant name. Many enjoy the beautiful, wispy plant in their gardens, climbing on the walls of their homes or decorating their backyards. Silver Lace is eager to please, which makes it attractive to black thumbs and gardening novices. Spot a Silver Lace Vine using these tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look for green leaves and white flowers to identify a Silver Lace vine. The flowers will be very small and usually in clusters.

2. Smell the vine. Silver Lace produces a pleasant fragrance from the white flowers. If the vine is odorless, it is not Silver Lace.

3. Observe the location of the vine. Silver Lace is a highly dependent climber, meaning it needs structural support to grow. Some vines can sprawl out anywhere, but Silver Lace tends to climb trees, houses and other outdoor areas like patio covers, arbors or trellises.

4. Measure the rate of growth. Silver Lace is one of the fastest growing vines and is commonly referred to as "Mile a Minute." It can span 15-20 feet in just one growing season and can reach a maximum length of 25 to 40 feet. If you notice a vine has grown quickly, check for other traits of the Silver Lace.

5. Search for Silver Lace in the late summer to early fall. While many vines grow in the middle of summer, Silver Lace waits until late August to bloom its white cluster flowers.

6. Check for this vine in drier climates that have poor soil. Silver Lace does very well in dry, sandy soil with good drainage and lots of sun.

Tips & Warnings

• Silver Lace is not native to the U.S. but can grow and be bought and sold here. The plant's origins are Tibet and China. Look for Silver Lace if you are traveling in Asia.
• Silver Lace Vine's botanical (scientific) name is Polygomun Aubertii.
• Silver Lace is usually cut completely down to the ground in late winter or early spring, so it will be difficult to identify this vine during these seasons.