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.