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Climber Wall ShrubHerbaceous Perennial
Bryonia dioica
white bryony
Britain's only native member of the cucumber family. It is an herbaceous, tendrilled climber with separate male and female plants. Leaves are entire and palmately 5 lobed. Greenish white flowers are borne in clusters in the leaf axils from May to August followed by hangingropes of berries that turn red in autumn
Other common names
devil's cherrydevil's turnip
see moreEnglish mandrake
grapewort
Isle of Wight vine
murrain berries
red bryony
tetterberry
white wild vine
wild hop
Synonyms
Bryonia cretica subsp. dioica
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, N Africa, SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers well-drained, rich soils. Occurs naturally in hedgerows and woods
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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