Plant Profile: Berchemia scandens

Supplejack is a climbing woody vine belonging to the Buckthorn family, indigenous to the southeastern and central regions of the United States. This versatile plant thrives in diverse environments, ranging from swampy areas to upland forests, where it can either sprawl along the ground or ascend into the treetops. In North Carolina, it is predominantly found in the coastal plain. The resilient stems of the supplejack have been utilized in wickerwork crafts. During late spring through summer, it produces greenish-white flowers, which give way to blue fruits in the fall, enjoyed by birds and small mammals.

This plant is adaptable, flourishing in a variety of soil conditions from wet to dry and in both sunny and shaded locations. It is particularly well-suited for naturalized landscapes and woodland settings.