Parthenocissus inserta

Thicket Creeper

Parthenocissus inserta is a fast-growing, deciduous climber that originates from North America. The plant has leaflets consisting of five individual, toothed leaves. The leaves turn bright red in autumn. Parthenocissus inserta is known for its remarkable climbing ability. It can grow on almost any surface, including walls, fences and even other plants, thanks to sticky adhesive discs at the end of the tendrils. The plant produces small, inconspicuous green flowers in late summer that are pollinated by insects. These flowers develop into small, blue-black berries that are eaten by birds, which helps to spread the plant. In many regions the plant is valued as an ornamental, but under certain conditions it can become invasive as it grows quickly and can suppress native plants.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

As a fast-growing climber, Parthenocissus inserta can overgrow and suppress native plant species. By shading the understory, it can reduce biodiversity, especially in riparian forests and along water bodies.

Region of origin

North America

Introduction vectors

Horticulture

The Thicket creeper was often used in gardens and parks as an ornamental plant.

Dissemination by animals

Birds can eat the berries of the Thicket creeper and excrete the seeds in other places. This allows them to be spread over greater distances
Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The grapevine family (Vitaceae) comprises about 14 genera with around 800 species. They are mainly distributed in temperate to tropical regions. The family comprises mainly lianas, but also shrubs and small trees. A striking feature are the opposite leaves and the spirally twisted tendrils, which are used for climbing. The flowers are usually small and greenish, in panicled or racemose inflorescences. The fruits are mostly berries. The best known and economically most important species is the grapevine (Vitis vinifera), whose fruits, the grapes, are used to make wine, juice and sultanas. The kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) also belongs to this family.

Climate change

Parthenocissus inserta has not yet filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It benefits from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will increase. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are soil type, rail infrastructure, road infrastructure, spring temperature and altitude.

Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Parthenocissus inserta where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here .

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.