black bryony

Also known as: devil's cherry; lady's seal; mandrake; murraim berries; oxberry

An herbaceous perennial climber often found in woodland margins, scrub and hedges. It has deep, fleshy roots and alternate, glossy heart shaped leaves to 18cm long. Small yellow-green flowers are produced in summer which have a cinnamon fragrance, and are followed by round red berries that remain on the plant until winter

black bryony

Scientific classification

Species
black bryony (Dioscorea communis)
Genus
Dioscorea
Family
Dioscoreaceae
TOXIC is eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling]
Toxicity
Climber Wall Shrub
Plant type
2.5-4 metres
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
Deciduous
Foliage
Climbing
Habit
Autumn · Spring · Summer · Winter
Season of interest
Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight
Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

black bryony pictures

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Distribution of black bryony

Distribution map

Europe, Mediterranean, Macaronesia, Southwestern Asia

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

TOXIC is eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling]

Quick identification of black bryony

Information to be completed

black bryony care guide

Deep watering while active, cut moisture supply during dormancy
Watering
Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight
Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Deep watering while active, cut moisture supply during dormancy

Fertilizing

Weak vine balanced feed monthly spring leaf growth period

Pruning

Trimming on hedges may advantage the climber, which often recovers faster than hedgerow shrubs

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Growing

Grows freely in sun and partial shade, less successful in full shade and in damp or poorly drained soils

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Common pests and diseases

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and froghoppers

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