Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Supplejack (Berchemia scandens)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Rhamnales>Rhamnaceae>Berchemia scandens (Hill) K. Koch

Supplejack (Berchemia scandens)

This native high-climbing deciduous woody vine is common in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina, rarely found in the Piedmont. The leaves look quite a lot like those of the related buckthorns (such as Frangula caroliniana) -- they're glossy above and have conspicuous and very straight parallel veins.

Craven Co., NC 8/27/06.

Supplejack (Berchemia scandens)

Unripe fruits. Supplejack fruits are dark blue when ripe.

Craven Co., NC 8/27/06.

Supplejack (Berchemia scandens)

Bark detail.

Craven Co., NC 4/14/07.

Supplejack (Berchemia scandens)

Habit.

Craven Co., NC 4/14/07.

More information:
Poisonous Plants of NC
USDA PLANTS Database
Virginia Tech Dendrology

Recommended Tree, Shrub, and Woody Vine Identification Guides