Cissus trifoliata
sorrelvine
Southern United States to Central America and the Caribbean
Overview
Cissus trifoliata is a deciduous, semi-succulent climbing vine in the Vitaceae (the grape family), scrambling 6-30 feet (1.8-9 m) over fences, shrubs, and rocks by means of forked tendrils. The fleshy leaves are usually divided into three coarsely toothed leaflets (the meaning of trifoliata), though some are simple and three-lobed, and they drop in dry spells or after frost. Clusters of small greenish-yellow flowers appear in the warm season, each about 0.1 inch (3 mm) across, and develop into round berries 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) wide that ripen from red to black. The vine grows from a large woody, water-storing rootstock that lets it survive drought and resprout after the top is killed. It is native to dry, sunny sites in the southern United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean, where it grows on rangeland, dunes, brush, and disturbed ground. The bruised foliage gives off a strong odor, and the sap and berries contain calcium oxalate that can irritate skin and is toxic if eaten. Vigorous growth lets it smother small shrubs, and it can become weedy in gardens.
Native Range
Native to the southern United States from Florida to Arizona, south through Mexico and into Central America and the Caribbean. It grows in dry, open habitats including rangeland, coastal dunes, brushland, and disturbed roadsides.Suggested Uses
Cissus trifoliata is used to cover fences, arbors, and dry banks in hot, low-water landscapes, and it supplies cover and berries for birds and other wildlife. Its drought tolerance suits xeriscape and naturalized plantings in warm regions. Its vigorous growth makes it hard to contain in small gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 30'
Width/Spread3' - 10'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-12 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