Wild flowers of the north-eastern states

Found beside walls and in open woods, in June; growing often in damp soil.

This clambering and twisting vine grows to considerable proportions; its stems are very tough, and the bark is firm and close, somewhat shining, and dark gray with occasional bronzy flecks.

The oval leaf, with its many noticeable ribs, finely toothed margin, and fine texture, is short-stemmed; its color is a cool green, lighter and shining underneath. The arrangement is alternate.

The greenish-white flowers are small and inconspicuous, their parts all in fives; they are gathered in loose terminal clusters, which give no promise of their brilliant fruiting.

With the autumn ripening of the seed, the dry round case becomes red-orange in color, and bursts into 3 divisions, which curl backward, with many twisting curves, to display the glistening coral-red fruit. The drooping clusters of gorgeous orange and scarlet berries keep their color long, and if gathered just before the seed-cases open, will last all winter for house decoration.