Also called Alabama supple-jack, Alabama supplejack, Rattan-vine and Supplejack

Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)

 

HABIT:  Large, twining, climbing, deciduous vine with distinctive smooth, green bark on stems that can grow to 5 to 7 inches. Climbing into trees in wooded ravines and narrow canyons. It climbs by the twisting of its stems counter-clockwise. The stems are extremely strong and can sometimes kill the tree they climb. The tiny yellow flowers appear in the spring, followed by the fruit, a bluish-black oblong drupe that is a favorite of many birds. The common name rattan vine refers to the use of the strong, supple stems in making wickerwork. Leaves from 1 to 2 ½” long, with prominent veins branching from the midrib, ovate to elliptical with smooth or slightly wavy margins and a rounded or pointed tip. 

 

CULTURE:  Grows in sun or shade in moist, rich woods from south and east Texas, the westernmost portion of its range, north to Missouri and east to the southeastern coast.

USDA Hardiness Zone:  6.

 

USE:  Very interesting vine and terrific red fall color.

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