Cretan Bryony

Bryonia cretica

Native to:
Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Corse, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, East Aegean Is., Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Morocco, Netherlands, NW. Balkan Pen., Palestine, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Cucurbitaceae
Genus:
Bryonia
Species:
Bryonia cretica
USDA Symbol:
BRCR2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Vine
Height:
400 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
yellow, green

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, rocky or sandy soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to Mediterranean regions; prefers calcareous soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate best with cold stratification. Fresh seed may germinate without treatment.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI