General Description: This twining vine can easily be confused with climbing hydrangea (Decumaria barbara), which is quite common. The difference between the two species is that Decumaria barbara has opposite leaves and climbs by means of aerial roots, and Schisandra glabra has alternate leaves and twines. The leaves of S. glabra are up to 6in (15cm) long and 2.5in (6cm) wide, have sparsely toothed margins, and are sweet smelling when crushed. Both male and female flowers occur on the same plant (monoecious), and droop on long, delicate flower stalks arising from the leaf axils of mature vines. The 9-12 petals are 0.3in (5-8mm) long, and crimson colored. The fruit is a cluster of red berries on an elongate spike; mature fruits are formed rarely in droughty summers. Flowering period is May through June with fruiting in July through August.

General Habitat: Typically found twining over understory trees and shrubs in rich, alluvial woods, and on lower slopes near streams.

                                                  Flowering and fruiting chart