Brunnichia ovata

Common Names

American Buckwheat Vine, Redvine, Buckwheat Vine, Ladies' Eardrops, Ear Pendant

Summary

Brunnichia ovata is a North American climbing soft-woody vine native to the southeastern United States, it climbs by tendrils and roots at nodes and can reach lengths up to 13 meters with stems running on soil or in water, leaves are alternate and ovate (3–15 cm long, 1.5–8 cm wide) with bases truncate to subcordate, inflorescences measure 5–26 cm and bear greenish flowers with five tepals and prominently exserted stamens, the fruit consists of 8–10 mm long, 3–5 mm wide achenes that often persist contributing to the ear-pendant appearance noted in common names, outdoor growth occurs in USDA Hardiness Zones 5a–9b, indoors it can be trained to climb a moss pole or trellis, with newest growth arising from stem ends, the plant is deciduous and requires ample light (ideally within 3 feet of a south-facing window), watering should be regulated with repotting after doubling in size or annually, it is occasionally grown as an ornamental vine but can be aggressive in moist, fertile sites and is known as a weed in soybean fields, deep tilling can reduce infestations, and it is not known to harm humans or pets

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

480-512 inches

Spread

20-60 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Moist to wet hydric soils, bottomland and swampy areas along riverbanks and lake margins.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Bloom Color

Greenish to greenish-yellow

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Dark glossy green, light green on upper leaf surface, yellow leaves

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

9-9

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies/moths/skippers, birds