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SHRUBS & VINES of Witmer Woods

(unidentified shrubs)

GRAPE VINES

The photograph at right, however unclear, shows the tiny grape vines dangling from the upmost branches of a white pine. Although these vines grow up trees, they use the trees for support. On the left, the heart-shaped leaves emerging from winter buds and grape tendrils are apparent. Grapes and other vines use tendrils and aerial roots to climb up to where they can receive the sunshine that they need. Since grapes and other vines do not need to expend a great deal of energy on producing woody stems to grow tall, they can grow very quickly. The fruit of grape vines is a sweet treat for many animals and grape vines in particular have peely bark that the song birds can easily use for nesting material.

Tartarian Honey Suckle

Lonicera tatarica

This type of honey suckle is a hollow-branced erect shrub growing 4-10 feet in height. It can bloom either pink (see below) or white (see left) 5-lobed flowers, usually in May or June. Leaves are 1-2.5 inches long, smooth, ovate, and opposite. The fruit is a red berry. These shrubs usually grow in thickets or on the borders of fields and have a strong, sweet oder.

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