Possum-Grape
(Cissus trifoliata)
Possum-Grape (Cissus trifoliata)
/
/
Jaime González
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Jaime González
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jaime González | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Jaime González | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-10-04T08:53:59-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Cissus trifoliata, commonly known as Possum-Grape, is a deciduous perennial vine native to a variety of habitats including thickets, woodlands, and riparian zones in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. It can climb to heights of 12-30 feet and spread 5-10 feet wide. This vine is characterized by its tendrils and trifoliate leaves, which are composed of three leaflets. The inconspicuous greenish flowers appear in the summer and are followed by small, purple-black berries that resemble grapes, hence the common name.
Possum-Grape is valued for its ability to cover structures quickly, providing dense foliage and shade. It is often used for covering fences, trellises, and arbors. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it thrives with low to medium water and prefers well-drained soils. It can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. Gardeners should be cautious as the tubers are toxic if ingested, and the plant can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Despite these concerns, Possum-Grape is a resilient vine that can be a useful addition to wildlife gardens, as its berries provide food for birds and other animals.CC BY-SA 4.0
Possum-Grape is valued for its ability to cover structures quickly, providing dense foliage and shade. It is often used for covering fences, trellises, and arbors. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it thrives with low to medium water and prefers well-drained soils. It can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. Gardeners should be cautious as the tubers are toxic if ingested, and the plant can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Despite these concerns, Possum-Grape is a resilient vine that can be a useful addition to wildlife gardens, as its berries provide food for birds and other animals.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Vine
- Height: 12-30 feet
- Width: 5-10 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Green
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Thickets, woodlands, and riparian zones in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean
Other Names
Common Names: Sorrelvine, Vine-Sorrel, Marine Ivy, Bejuco Carito, Bejuco De Caro, Bejuco Ubi, Bejuco Ubi Macho, Bois Soldat, Carito, Caro
Scientific Names: , Cissus trifoliata, Cissus incisa, Cissus parvifolia, Cissus acida, Sicyos trifoliatus, Vitis acida, Vitis trifoliata, Cissus carnifolia, Cissus incisa var. andrewsii
GBIF Accepted Name: Cissus trifoliata (L.) L.