Berchemia scandens (Hill) K. Koch. Common name: Supplejack, American Rattan, Alabama Supplejack, Carolina Supplejack. Phenology: Apr-May; Aug-Oct. Habitat: Swamp forests, bottomlands, streambanks, also upland in mesic to even xeric forests, woodlands, glades, and prairies over calcareous rock or sediment. Distribution: Se. VA south to s. FL, west to TX, north in the interior to nc. TN, w. TN, s. IL, and s. MO; Mexico (Chiapas) and Guatemala.
ID notes: The smooth gray bark on larger vines (often marred by sapsucker wells) is distinctive even when the leaves are high overhead; vines can be at least 18 cm in diameter. Younger twigs are bright green (or reddish tinted if sun-grown), and the neatly pinnate venation is also distinctive.
Origin/Endemic status: Native
Other Comments: Berchemia scandens climbs high into the crowns of swamp trees.
Synonymy ⓘ: = C, F, FNA12, G, GW2, Il, K4, Mo3, NcTx, RAB, S, S13, Tat, Tn, Tx, Va, WH3, Brizicky (1964a); Rhamnus scandens J. Hill. Basionym: Rhamnus scandens Hill 1768
Links to other floras: = Berchemia scandens - FNA12
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Wetland Indicator Status:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FAC
- Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACW
- Great Plains: FAC
- Midwest: FAC
Heliophily ⓘ: 5
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© Bruce A. Sorrie | Original Image ⭷
© Scott Ward | Original Image ⭷
© Gary P. Fleming | Original Image ⭷
© Aidan Campos source | Original Image ⭷
© Alan Cressler: Berchemia scandens, Oaky Woods Wildlife Management Area, Houston County, Georgia 1 by Alan Cressler source | Original Image ⭷
© Scott Ward | Original Image ⭷
© Gary P. Fleming | Original Image ⭷
© Sonnia Hill | Original Image ⭷
© Gary P. Fleming | Original Image ⭷
© Alan Cressler: berchemia scandens, montezuma bluffs natural area, macon county, georgia 1 by Alan Cressler source | Original Image ⭷
© Radford, Ahles and Bell | Original Image ⭷Feedback
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Horticultural Information
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Height: to 50 feet
plant sale text: Supplejack is a sturdy high climbing vine notable for its distinctive smooth bark. This vine is not often used in horticulture but is an interesting and attractive curiosity well worth planting if you have the space. The flexible vines themselves are possibly its best feature and can be used to make baskets or furniture. Blue fruits that ripen in fall are eaten by birds and other wildlife. In the Carolinas, supplejack can be seen in swamp forests and bottomlands of the coastal plain.
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native range: Southeastern United States
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