The Boston Ivy or Parthenocissus tricuspidata hails - interestingly enough - from Japan! It can also be known as Japanese Creeper. Funny for an ivy which grows all over the hallowed halls of universities in Cambridge and Boston. This is the type of ivy you see in massive walls covering the front of the stone-built institutions.

Boston Ivy often has three leaves when it's young - making people confuse it with poison ivy. This is not poison ivy! Look at the leaves. They have a rounder, crenelated-edge aspect to them. They're almost quilted in appearance. Also, the three-leaf stage is just one stage of the growth here. Boston Ivy is best known for its large maple-leaved shapes when it gets larger. You can see some of those - as well as some smaller ones - in these images.

It's important to note that the berries of the Boston Ivy plant are poisonous to humans. Don't eat them.

This grows well in the shade. And if you're a college :).

Poison Ivy Ebook A necessary part of your first-aid preparedness - keep this on your Kindle or phone. If you get contaminated by the oils, you've only got two hours to remedy the situation before your body goes into a rash-filled nightmare. Poison Ivy Ebook - more details

Plant Photos from Sutton Massachusetts

Photos in Sutton Massachusetts