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Resources < Wildlife Habitats < Native Plants < Native Plant Database < Decumaria barbara
Planting decumaria is the perfect way to soften and decorate a trellis, tree trunk, or stark brick or stone garden wall. In May and June the vine produces lacy clusters of creamy white, honey-scented blooms that attract butterflies and provide a pleasing contrast to the dark leathery leaves. Decumaria won’t bloom unless it’s climbing, but its lush, glossy foliage makes a lovely groundcover all on its own.
Decumaria is easy to grow. It’s not aggressive, and the delicate aerial rootlets by which it clings won’t harm your walls or your trees. Decumaria is also one of the few native vines that will flower even in shade. In the wild, decumaria is usually found growing on river and stream banks, so it is not surprising that in the garden it responds best to moist, rich soils.
Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family)
High-climbing deciduous woody vine with glossy, dark green, oval-shaped leaves measuring 3 to 5" long. Two-inch, flat-topped clusters of tiny fragrant white flowers appear in late spring on new wood. Small, dry, urn-shaped fruits are available October through January. Fall leaf color is a clear, soft yellow.
10-30’.
Deciduous woody vine climbing by aerial rootlets.
Moderate.
Full shade to full sun.
Plant in moist, rich, acidic soil. Plants must be climbing in order to bloom.
Assets include beautiful dark green foliage and fragrant white blooms in late spring.
Plant as a groundcover or against a trellis, tree, or stone or brick wall.
Foliage provides cover and nesting sites for birds and small mammals. Flowers attract butterflies.
Found along streams and floodplains and in swamps and low woods across Georgia.
Softwood cuttings, seed.
Text and photo by Leslie Kimel, Georgia Wildlife Federation
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Climbing Hydrangea
