Parthenocissus tricuspidata got its more common name, Boston Ivy, for the myriad of ways it was employed in the famous city and the surrounding region. One of the more common uses of the vine was to create shading walls on the sides of older homes, cooling them in the summer and reducing cooling cost. This method is still viable and thanks to the vine’s adaptability, can be done in many areas of the country. Boston Ivy produces small flowers in greenish clusters in the early spring. New growth on the vine starts reddish-bronze before shifting through shades of green in the summer months. When fall arrives it changes again, turning a classic red-orange color. Whether attached to the sides of buildings, latticework or other plant, Boston Ivy adds a classic decorative touch to any garden or landscape.