Boston Ivy

(Parthenocissus tricuspidata)

Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)

Johann Jaritz

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Johann Jaritz

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Estimated Native Range

Summary

Parthenocissus tricuspidata, commonly known as Boston Ivy, is a deciduous woody vine native to woodland edges and forest clearings in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China. It can grow up to 30 meters tall when supported, with small branched tendrils tipped with sticky disks that allow it to adhere to surfaces. The leaves are typically three-lobed and turn bright red or purple in the fall, providing significant ornamental value. The flowers are inconspicuous, greenish, and appear in clusters, while the fruit is a small, dark blue berry. Boston Ivy is valued for its ability to cover walls and buildings, creating a lush, green façade during the growing season and a striking red display in autumn.

Boston Ivy thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. It is often used to cover walls, trellises, and other structures in urban and garden settings. While it is low-maintenance and can reduce cooling costs by shading walls, it can also cause damage if removed improperly. It is important to manage its growth to prevent it from covering windows, gutters, and rooflines. Boston Ivy can be invasive outside its native range, so it should be planted with caution.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Vine
Height: 30-50 feet
Width: 5-10 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Woodland edges and forest clearings

Other Names

Common Names: Boston-Ivy , Grape Ivy , Japanese-Creeper , Japanese-Ivy , Japanese Creeper , Japanese Ivy , Woodbine , Dreilappige Jungfernrebe , Dreilappiger Wilder Wein , Vigne Vierge De Veitch

Scientific Names: Parthenocissus tricuspidata , Cissus tricuspidata , Acer nikoense , Ampelopsis tricuspidata , Parthenocissus veitchii , Ampelopsis veitchii , Vitis thunbergii , Vitis inconstans , Parthenocissus thunbergii , Parthenocissus tricuspidata f. veitchii

GBIF Accepted Name: Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch.