Woody perennial vine with flexible stems that are greyish green during growth and can be used for wickercrafting; will grow high up a support or sprawl across the ground forming a dense mat. Individual plants are male or female, with clusters of small greenish white or greenish yellow flowers in spring followed by clusters of little dark blue fruits that birds enjoy starting in late summer. Simple egg-shaped leaves are shiny and leathery on top, alternately arranged, initially green then turning orange in fall. Also known by the common name Rattan Vine.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Supplejack
Berchemia scandens
Plant Type: Vines
Native Environment: Cliff, Glade, Stream Edge
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Orange
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Photo: Mervin Wallace

Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade

Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate, High

Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects

Wildlife Benefit
Cover, Food/Birds

Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
20 to
60
feet
Spread:
6 to
12
feet
Size
Height: 20 to
60
feet
Spread: 6 to
12
feet
Size
Height: 20 to
60
feet
Spread: 6 to
12
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Woodland settings or native plant gardens with ample space, growing up a sturdy support or as ground cover. Will grow to tops of trees.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Tolerates a wide range of soils and conditions including extremes of moisture.
Special Features
Ornamental Fruits / Seed Pods / Seed Heads
Special Usage
Ground Cover
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.