Boston Ivy, Japanese Creeper
Parthenocissus tricuspidata
Family Vitaceae

Characteristics:
* Leaves dark green, alternate, slender-stalked, broad-ovate with 3 serrated lobes, 4-8".
* Buds brownish, stem squarish.
* Fruits bluish-black berries.
* Height: Spreads over walls and climbs trees and buildings.

Natural History:
* Habitat: Walls, fences, tree trunks, and other places where climbing is possible.
* Range: Usually cultivated and planted as an ornamental vine.
* Introduced from Japan and central China in 1862.

Connections!
* Boston Ivy grows well and quickly in urban areas. It is considered one of the best vines for clinging to stonework; it has been known to climb to the tops of five story buildings!

* Boston Ivy is a favorite host plant for the hawk moth caterpillar.