I picked this small vine off of a stone wall near a river in upstate NY near Rochester. The vine (I think) was growing downward and seemed to originate out of cracks in the cement wall. As it was growing downward the top of the cluster died off. It has small (1/4" - 1/2") round leaves with serrated edges and the back of the leaves is a beautiful deep crimson color with slight sheen. The intensity of the crimson changes according to time of day! The flower is also quite small and has elements of blue, purple and yellow to it. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a detailed picture. It has a sort of suspended bloom that reminds me of a Columbine but just in micro size. It is super hardy, I transported it to my apartment in Brooklyn in a can and put it in the tiny bottle it's pictured in. At one point it was knocked over and severed almost completely off of the thick root (about 4") but I kept it in the water and it came back and is now as pictured, flower and all! I've included a picture of the root system because I find it quite interesting, there are several shoots and then two larger red "master" shoots. Anyone have any clue what my hardy little friend is?!!
I don't know much about climate in NY but here in Washington is even grows in the cracks in the sidewalk. I will spread all over, but it's pretty easily pulled up. I love it. It's not an Ivy at all! From Sunset - Kenilworth ivy aka CYMBALARIA (probably) muralis. European natives related to snapdragons. Not showy, but they have their uses as small-scale ground covers in cool, shady places or as decorations for terrarium or hanging baskets. In ground can be invasive. barb
