Ampelopsis cordata
heart-leaf peppervine, heartleaf ampelopsis, heartleaf peppervine, raccoon grape
Family
Vitaceae
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Attachment
petiolate
Leaf Margin
serrate, toothed
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
deltoid, ovate, suborbicular
Growth Form
vine
Flower Color
green, white
Flower Month
May - July
Height (meters)
5.0 - 40.0
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
native
Lifespan
perennial
Growing Season
Warm season
Leaf Retention
Deciduous
Wetland Class
FAC
Wetland Coefficient of Conservatism
4
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 not continuous through the nodes. This species also has flower clusters that are compact and broad while grapes have clusters which are elongated. Base of leaf straight across (not cordate) not angled upward.
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
Rich woodlands and bottomlands along rivers.