Black Bryony
Tamus communisfam. Lamiaceae
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Pl. E920 — Tamus communis
Tamus communisTamus communisTamus communisTamus communisTamus communisTamus communisTamus communisTamus communisTamus communisTamus communisTamus communisTamus communisTamus communisTamus communis
IOverview
Overview
Black Bryony (Tamus communis) is a perennial vine native to much of Europe and the Mediterranean region, including countries such as Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, and Greece. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, this plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It can grow up to 3.5 meters tall and is found across a range of habitats from the Azores to Turkey. Its distinctive feature includes its light energy rating of 6/10, indicating it requires moderate sunlight in its growing environment.
Quick answers
What is Black Bryony?
Black Bryony (Tamus communis) is a perennial vine native to much of Europe and the Mediterranean region, including countries such as Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, and Greece. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, this plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 7 and 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Black Bryony thrives in light to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-8 and can grow up to 3.5 meters tall as a perennial vine. To propagate, use leaves or shoots. Ensure the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) for best results. Regular watering is necessary to maintain moisture levels.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Vine
Mature size
3.5 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Black Bryony for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple, light-loving vine that can grow in various soil types.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, potting mix, containers or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in autumn for a winter hardy vine.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5, ensuring containers are at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost is past, or start indoors and transplant later.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide support for climbing.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when dry, especially during hot weather. Prune occasionally to maintain shape and remove dead growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to encourage a bushy plant and prevent overcrowding.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The leaves and shoots of Black Bryony are edible. They can be prepared raw or cooked. Typically, they are used in salads when fresh or added to soups and stews when cooked. The plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe16 regions
native (16)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaCyprusFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)IranIraqPalestine
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Lamiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Lamiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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