Intro: A non-native, perennial vine that clambers over other plants; prefers disturbed habitat, though it is sometimes seen in natural areas. Native of Europe.

Stems: Stems sprawling or climbing, branched, purple and slightly hairy when young (becoming brown and woody with age).

Leaves: Leaves alternate, on minutely winged petioles, arrowhead-shaped with 2 basal lobes, to nearly 4 in. long, mostly smooth.

Inforescence:

Flowers: Flowers in a few drooping clusters of 6-20, from stems or axils of leaves; purple or violet; consisting of petals bent backward and upward around a central downward-pointing "cone" of united stamens.

Fruits: Fruit a shiny, oval berry that starts out green and turns scarlet when ripe.

Comments: Stem and leaves have a strong odor when bruised.

Height: 2-8 ft. (long)

plant sale text:

bloom table text:

description: A non-native, perennial vine that clambers over other plants; prefers disturbed habitat, though it is sometimes seen in natural areas. Native of Europe.

stems: Stems sprawling or climbing, branched, purple and slightly hairy when young (becoming brown and woody with age).

leaves: Leaves alternate, on minutely winged petioles, arrowhead-shaped with 2 basal lobes, to nearly 4 in. long, mostly smooth.

inflorescence:

flowers: Flowers in a few drooping clusters of 6-20, from stems or axils of leaves; purple or violet; consisting of petals bent backward and upward around a central downward-pointing "cone" of united stamens.

fruits: Fruit a shiny, oval berry that starts out green and turns scarlet when ripe.

comments: Stem and leaves have a strong odor when bruised.

cultural notes:

germination code:

native range: Europe & Asia