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Climber Wall Shrub

Dioscorea communis

black bryony

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

Other common names
devil's cherry
lady's seal
see moremandrake
murraim berries
oxberry
Synonyms
Tamus communis
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, °Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»å
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Yellow Green
Autumn Green Yellow Red
Winter Red
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or °Â±ð²õ³Ù–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Dioscoreaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Potentially harmful
TOXIC if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): TOXIC if eaten, skin irritant - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Dioscorea can be evergreen or deciduous, twining perennials with tuberous roots and simple or palmate leaves and small bell-shaped greenish or yellow flowers in racemes from the leaf axils

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe, Mediterranean, Macaronesia, SW Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

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

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

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

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and froghoppers

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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