Ampelopsis arborea
peppervine
Family
Vitaceae
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Attachment
petiolate
Leaf Margin
serrate
Leaf Type
bipinnate, compound, tripinnate
Growth Form
shrub, vine
Flower Color
green, white, yellow
Flower Petals
5
Flower Month
June - October
Height (meters)
1.0 - 40.0
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
native
Lifespan
perennial
Growing Season
Warm season
Wetland Class
FAC
Wetland Coefficient of Conservatism
5
Prairie Coefficient of Conservatism
1
Field Characters
The genus Ampelopsis is distinguished from other members of the grape family by stems which have a white pith that is continuous through the nodes and few tendrils. Only vine with alternate twice compound leaves. Dichotomously branched fruit cluster (Amphelopsis trait). Look alike: Clematis- compound but opposite leaves.
Natural History
Most common in low woods and marshes. In prairies it is most common in areas colonized by trees, along fence rows, and in areas where birds can perch.
Habitat
Wet or alluvial soil.