Tree Description:
A woody vine or semi-erect shrub that can be mistaken for a tree because it can climb and cover the trunks and branches of even large trees. Vines can grow to 1" or 2" in diameter, clinging to surfaces with a network of fine hairs. Leaves, bark, sap, fruit, and even the smoke from this plant contain toxic oils that may irritate and blister the skin: DO NOT TOUCH OR INGEST!
Range/Site Description:
Occurs throughout Texas in moist, shady sites, especially in East Texas woods along streams.
Leaf:
Alternate on the stem, once-compound, 1.5" to 8" long and up to 5" wide, with 3 leaflets; leaflet margins highly variable, ranging from smooth to coarsely-toothed, or even lobed; leaves are dark green and glossy on top, pale green below, turning orange to deep red in the fall.
Flower:
Borne in spring on loose panicles 1" to 4" long, flowers greenish-white.
Fruit:
A lustrous white, berry-like drupe, borne in slender, drooping clusters, maturing in September. Fruits are eaten by birds and rabbits, but are poisonous to humans.
Bark:
Vines are covered by a thick mat of red-brown hairs; older vines (like people) can lose enough hair to expose the warty, gray bark underneath.
Wood:
The milky white sap can be used to make a black, durable varnish.
Similar Species:
Boxelder (Acer negundo) has opposite leaves and at least some leaves with 5 leaflets; fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) has blunt teeth on leaflet margins; common hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata) is a shrub or small tree with wafer-like fruits; Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a climbing vine with 5 or 7 palmately-compound leaflets.
Interesting Facts:
This plant is the source of the saying, "leaves of three, leave it be!"
