Parthenocissus inserta
Woodbine
(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · licence
Family: Vitaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Parthenocissus inserta (Woodbine) is a native California shrub in the Vitaceae family, recognized by Eastern North American genus naturalized in disturbed habitats.
Woodbine is a naturalized California native shrub found in the Great Valley, Central Western, and Southwestern bioregions in hillsides, thickets, ravines, open woodland, and roadsides at elevations below 1,000 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces inconspicuous flowers with green to yellow-green coloration. Growing with climbing stems that develop tendrils with few branches, it can spread across surfaces with its distinctive vine-like growth habit. Its compound leaves have glossy leaflets on the upper surface, creating a rich green appearance with a slightly duller underside. The fruit develops as a dark blue to black berry approximately 9 to 12 millimeters wide, which adds visual interest to the plant's mature form.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Eastern North American genus naturalized in disturbed habitats
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Hillsides, thickets, ravines, open woodland, roadsides
Elevation: < 1000 m
Outside California: to Texas, northeastern United States
Bloom period
Parthenocissus inserta blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Hedera: Parthenocissus has compound leaves with separate leaflets; Hedera (ivy) has simple lobed leaves that aren't divided into leaflets.; vs Vitis: Parthenocissus has separate leaflets radiating from center; Vitis has single leaves with deep lobes but still one piece.; vs Toxicodendron: Parthenocissus has 5 leaflets from one point; Toxicodendron (poison oak) has 3 leaflets arranged feather-like along stem.; vs Acer: Parthenocissus is a vine with separate leaflets; Acer (maple) is a tree/shrub with single palmately lobed leaves.; vs Aesculus: Parthenocissus is a climbing vine; Aesculus (buckeye) is an upright tree/shrub that doesn't climb with tendrils.
Frequently asked questions
Is Parthenocissus inserta native to California?
Yes. Parthenocissus inserta is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Parthenocissus inserta bloom?
Parthenocissus inserta blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Parthenocissus inserta belong to?
Parthenocissus inserta is in the Vitaceae family, genus Parthenocissus.
What habitat does Parthenocissus inserta grow in?
Parthenocissus inserta grows in Uncommon. Hillsides, thickets, ravines, open woodland, roadsides.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-01
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.