Parthenocissus quinquefolia - (image 1 of 7)
Taxonomy
Family: Vitaceae
Habitat
A common vine, often covering the trunks of trees in woodlands.
Associates
Acer saccharum, Fraxinus americana, Prunus serotina, Prunus virginiana, Quercus alba, Quercus rubra, Ribes missouriense, Tilia americana, Toxicodendron radicans, Ulmus americana, Ulmus rubra, Vitis riparia.
Distribution
Eastern U.S. and Canada.
Morphology
Woody vine. Leaves alternate, palmate compound; leaflets 5, elliptic to obovate, serrate, deep green and glabrous above, pubescent below. Tendrils twining with adhesive discs. Inflorescence with a distinct central axis. Flowers perfect, greenish; sepals 5; stamens 5. Fruit a blue-black berry.
Notes
Flowers mid July to mid August.
Wetland indicator: Facultative -
Sometimes seen growing on buildings like Boston Ivy. The autumn foliage is a brilliant red. Dirr recommends this species as a durable cover for walls, trellises, and rock piles.
References
Dirr, Michael A. 1998. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants:
Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses.
5th ed. Champaign, Illinois: Stipes Publishing L.L.C.
Swink, F. and G. Wilhelm. 1994. Plants of the Chicago Region.
Indiana Academy of Science. The Morton Arboretum. Lisle, Illinois.
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Michael Hough © 2005 |