Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Parthenocissus quinquifolia is showing full autumn colour in the generally five sectioned leaf. Growing enthusiastically over the wash house to the east of Inverleith House it clings in position by adhesive pads on the ends of the tendrils. These are able to adhere to all surfaces taking it towards the light at the rate of approximately four metres a season. A native to E.N.America from where it was introduced into cultivation in 1629. Now naturalised on waste land and as a garden escape throughout Britain.

Two Vitis from different continents are worth walking to the quadrangle at the north of the front range to see. Vitis davidii, China, the large leaves with barbed petioles are turning deep scarlet. V. bierlandieri from Mexico and the adjacent United States; at the moment the trifoliate leaves are fully green, watch for their potential.