Urban Nature Pictures day 1

[urbpan]

Boston Ivy, a deciduous climber native to Asia, produces berries that are eaten through the winter by robins, starlings and other birds.

Comments

[audacian.livejournal.com]

How did it get here from asia?

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

It was deliberately introduced as an ornamental. It's the ivy on many of the ivy league schools.

[audacian.livejournal.com]

Oh, neat. People kind of frown upon introducing new species and things these days, right?

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

Most introduced species don't cause problems, but a some have caused great environmental damage. A lot of places have laws against importing or transporting the bad players.

[shellasaurusrex.livejournal.com]

can you eat the berries?

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

It's never mentioned in descriptions of the plant. I think the fruit is mostly seed, and not worth trying to eat (for us).

[cordelia-sue.livejournal.com]

This is a really nice winter photo. I like seeing food in the world even when it's cold.

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I agree. Boston ivy is one of the plants that makes it possible for robins to live in the city year round. (Also, unfortunately, starlings).