Berchemia spp.

supplejack

Rhamnaceae

Asia, Africa, and southeastern North America

Attracts Pollinators

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 6–9

Overview

Berchemia spp. is a genus of about 20 to 30 species of woody climbing vines and scrambling shrubs in the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae), distributed across eastern and southern Asia, Africa, and North America. The North American species Berchemia scandens, known as Alabama supplejack or rattan vine, is the most familiar in cultivation references. Plants climb by twining, with smooth, flexible, blue-green to greenish stems that can reach 15-40 feet (4.5-12 m) into supporting trees. The leaves are alternate, ovate, glossy, and marked by closely spaced, parallel lateral veins that give the foliage a ribbed appearance. Small greenish-white flowers appear in clusters in late spring and summer, followed by fleshy drupes that ripen from green through red to blue-black, each about 0.25-0.3 inch (6-8 mm) long. The fruits are eaten by birds and small mammals. Berchemia spp. grows in moist woodlands, stream banks, and thickets, and the tough stems were historically used in basketry and wickerwork. In gardens the vigorous twining habit can overwhelm small supports and nearby shrubs if left unmanaged.

Native Range

Species occur across eastern and southern Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and southeastern North America. Berchemia scandens ranges through the southeastern United States in bottomland forests, swamp margins, and along stream banks.

Suggested Uses

Grown on sturdy fences, pergolas, and trellises where a vigorous deciduous climber is wanted, and in naturalistic or wildlife plantings for its bird-attracting fruit. The pliable stems are used in basketry and rustic craft work.

How to Identify

Recognized by twining woody stems that are smooth and blue-green when young, and by glossy ovate leaves with many closely spaced, parallel side veins. Clusters of small greenish flowers appear in late spring, followed by oblong drupes ripening from red to blue-black. The flexible, rope-like stems are a useful field clue.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 40'

Width/Spread3' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring Summer

Small greenish-white flowers open in late spring and early summer. Fruits develop through summer and ripen to blue-black by late summer and autumn.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Berchemia spp. grows in full sun to partial shade in moist, fertile soils, and tolerates seasonal flooding along stream banks. Established vines withstand short dry periods but grow most strongly with consistent moisture. The twining stems need sturdy supports such as fences or mature trees. Pruning controls spread, as unmanaged plants climb high into tree canopies. Propagation is by seed, which benefits from cleaning and cool stratification, or by semi-hardwood cuttings.

Pruning

Pruning is done in late winter while plants are dormant, to limit size and clear tangled or dead stems. Vigorous regrowth follows hard cutting, so the vines tolerate renewal pruning back to a framework on their support.

Pruning Schedule

winter