Explore Dioscorea communis (Black Bryony) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Dioscorea communis | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Black Bryony, Lady's-seal, Black Bindweed
Family: Dioscoreaceae
Appearance: A climbing herbaceous perennial with twining, hairless stems that can reach up to 4 meters in length. It has glossy, heart-shaped leaves and produces small, greenish-yellow flowers. The plant is notable for its bright red berries in the autumn.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Deciduous
Layer: Climber
Root System: Tuberous root system
Height: Climbs up to 4 meters
Width: Spreads up to 2 meters
Lifespan: Long-lived perennial
Growth Rate: Medium
Fertility: Dioecious (separate male and female plants)
Flowers: Small, greenish-yellow; male flowers in slender racemes, female flowers in shorter clusters
Pollinator: Various insects
Toxicity: All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested; handling may cause skin irritation
Dioscorea communis | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Widespread across southern and central Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia
Companionship: Often found in hedgerows, woodlands, and scrub areas alongside other climbing plants and shrubs
Invasive Range: Not commonly reported as invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4–9
Minimum Chill Hours Required: Not specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: Tolerant
Drought: Moderate tolerance
Shade: Prefers partial shade; can tolerate full shade
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: Moderate tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance
Fire: Low tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Prefers partial shade to full shade
Soil Moisture: Prefers moist, well-drained soils
Soil Type: Thrives in loamy or clay soils rich in organic matter
Soil PH: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils (pH 6.5–7.5)
Propagation
Seeds: Can be propagated from seeds, though germination may be slow
Cuttings: Propagation by root tuber division is more common
Dioscorea communis | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: Young shoots are traditionally consumed in some cultures after proper preparation; however, caution is advised due to the plant's overall toxicity
Medicinal: Historically used in poultices for bruises and inflamed joints; however, due to its toxic nature, it should be used with caution
Cosmetics: Not commonly used in cosmetics
Animal Feed: Not suitable for animal feed due to toxicity
Fiber: Not utilized for fiber
Timber: Not applicable
Firewood: Not applicable
Wind Break: Not suitable as a windbreak
Fence: Can be used ornamentally on trellises or fences
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Flowers attract various insects
Pest Repellent: Not noted as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Berries provide food for birds; however, they are toxic to humans and some animals
Note: Due to its toxic properties, caution is advised when handling or considering the use of Dioscorea communis. Always wear gloves and protective clothing when managing this plant.
Sign up for our newsletter or connect with us on social media to stay up-to-date with our latest posts and permaculture inspiration.
Explore our inspiring series and posts:
Love the post? Share it with your circle, inspire your people: