About
Bryonia dioica is the sole native representative of the cucumber family in Britain. This herbaceous climbing plant features tendrils and exhibits sexual dimorphism, with distinct male and female specimens. Its foliage consists of entire, palmately five-lobed leaves. From May to August, greenish-white flowers appear in clusters at the leaf axils, leading to the development of elongated clusters of berries that ripen to a red hue in the autumn.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe, N Africa, SW Asia
- Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained, rich soils. Occurs naturally in hedgerows and woods. For more information see bryony
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free