Pursue Parthenocissus - December 2023
Parthenocissus is a genus of tendrillate vines in the grape family, with three species found in New York City. Among them are the native, five-leaved Virginia Creeper (P. quinquefolia) and the introduced, trifoliate Japanese Ivy or Boston Ivy (P. tricuspidata), both capable of climbing smooth surfaces thanks to adhesive pads on their tendrils. The third species is Thicket Creeper (P. inserta).
Thicket Creeper (P. inserta) is less commonly observed, possibly due to misidentification as P. quinquefolia.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
- Visit nybg.org/EcoQuest for more information about this activity.
- Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org
- Photograph as many Parthenocissus individuals as possible anywhere in New York City.
- Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
What is the Goal?
Help document as many Parthenocissus as possible by December 31. Can you spot all three species this month?
The New York City EcoFlora project seeks to enhance the ecological literacy of all New Yorkers and to compile new and original data on the City’s flora and ecological dynamics.