Fallopia baldschuanica (Russian vine)

Fallopia baldschuanica leaves

Leaf type: Heart-shaped, arrow-shaped, egg-shaped/oval
Leaf margin: Smooth
Phyllotaxis: Alternate
Colour: Light green, dark green; the shoots may be green or red
Life cycle: Perennial deciduous climber

Leaf (upper side)

leaf Fallopia baldschuanica
Oval leaf with a heart-shaped base.
climbing shoots Fallopia baldschuanica
Leaves and climbing shoots in May.

Growth habit & biology

Fallopia baldschuanica is a deciduous, perennial, climbing plant. The green or reddish shoots become woody at the base and can grow to over ten meters in length.

Young leaves are light green, while older ones are dark green. The leaf margins are smooth to slightly wavy. The leaves can be oval, egg-shaped, arrow-shaped, or heart-shaped.

growth habit Fallopia baldschuanica
The growth habit of Fallopia baldschuanica in June.
right twining shoots of Fallopia baldschuanica
The right-twining shoots can be green or reddish in color.

Distribution & habitates

Its native range includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. The species may occur as a neophyte in some European countries as well as regionally in New Zealand, North America, or South America.

It is used for planting on facades, walls, and fences.

Fallopia baldschuanica in fall
Leaves, flowers, and fruits in the fall (late October).

Botany

Fallopia baldschuanica is a member of the Polygonaceae family. Its common names include Russian vine, Bukhara fleeceflower, Chinese fleecevine, and others.

Russian vine Fallopia baldschuanica
Especially near gardens and other urban areas, Russian vine can also be found growing in the wild.