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Summary
Bloom Color: Green. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Spreading or horizontal, Variable height, Variable spread.
Physical Characteristics
Parthenocissus quinquefolia is a deciduous Climber growing to 30 m (98ft 5in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Ampelopsis hederacea. Hedera quinquefolia. Vitis hederacea. V. quinquefolia.
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover; East Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit Root Stem
Edible Uses:
Fruit - raw[105, 161]. The fruit is not very well flavoured, nor is it produced very freely[K]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter[200] and is carried in small bunches like grapes[K]. Stalks - cooked. They should be peeled and then boiled[105, 161]. The stalks are cut, boiled and peeled, and the sweetish substance between the bark and the wood is used for food[257]. Root - cooked[257].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Alterative Astringent Diuretic Expectorant Tonic
The bark and fresh young shoots are aperient, alterative, emetic, expectorant and tonic[46, 61]. A hot decoction can be used as a poultice to help reduce swellings[257]. A tea made from the leaves is aperient, astringent and diuretic[222]. It is used as a wash on swellings and poison ivy rash[222, 257]. A tea made from the plant is used in the treatment of jaundice[222, 257]. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of gonorrhoea and diarrhoea[222, 257]. The fruit is useful in treating fevers[4]. Some evidence suggests the berries (due to oxalic acid content)are poisonous [301].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Dye
A pink dye is obtained from the fruit[46, 61, 257]. The plant can be allowed to fall down banks and make a spreading ground cover[202]. They are best spaced about 3 metres apart each way[208]. They are very vigorous, however, and would soon swamp smaller plants[K].
Special Uses
Food Forest Ground cover
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Landscape Uses:Arbor, Woodland garden. Requires a well-drained moisture retentive fertile soil[200]. Succeeds in most soils, preferring full sun but tolerating semi-shade[202]. Best if grown in semi-shade on an east or west facing wall[200]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[4]. Dormant plants are hardy to about -25°c[200], though the young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. A very ornamental plant[1], it is self-supporting on walls by means of adhesive tendrils[11, 182]. Very fast growing, though it often does not grow very much in its first year or two after planting out[202]. When established, it can send out new growth 6 metres long in a year[4]. The plant can, however, become a nuisance by climbing into gutters[182]. Plants are very tolerant of trimming and can be cut right back to the base if required to rejuvenate the plant[202]. Any pruning is best carried out in the spring[219]. The fruit is normally only produced after a long hot summer[219]. There are several named varieties[182]. Special Features:Attracts birds, North American native, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[200]. Stored seed requires stratifying for 6 weeks at 5°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible[200]. Germination is variable. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm taken at a node (ensure that it has at least 2 true buds), July/August in a frame[78]. Easy to root but they do not always survive the first winter[182]. Basal hardwood cuttings of current seasons growth, 10 - 12 cm long, autumn in a frame[200]. Layering[200]. Plants often self-layer[202].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
Coming Soon
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
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Author
(L.)Planch.
Botanical References
1143200
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