This Boston Ivy or Japanese Creeper is native to Japan and central China. It is a woody vine similar to Virginia Creeper that also climbs by tendrils with adhesive tips. It is occasionally planted to cover walls in eastern North America, sold by some conventional and mail order nurseries in pots. It does spread some by the birds eating its blue-black grape-like berries and spreading the seeds around, so it is a little bit invasive in yards or in woods. This is the famous vine on the walls of both Fenwick Park in Boston and Wrigley Field in Chicago. It is a pretty plant with thick, dark three-loved leaves that get a good red fall color; however, it easily does get out of control to grow too much over walls and other structures.

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In the second half of the 20th century the preeminent ivy in Oklahoma City home landscapes was English Ivy. It was, in fact, the only ivy to be seen.
Plenty of people disliked it. Its roots penetrated bricks and mortar. They also creep under panels of siding. If the foliage was damaged in winter, its ugly leaves clung to the vines until spring. But those same people almost invariably had some in their garden.
As gardening became more sophisticated English Ivy began to be replaced with Boston Ivy.
Boston Ivy has several advantages. It grows faster than English Ivy. It does not damage bricks, mortar and siding. Its shiny, emerald green leaves are more attractive. The leaves turn various shades of red and orange before dropping in fall.The exposed tracings of the vines in winter are very attractive.

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Honey bees get nectar from this plant.

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