Peppervine, Pepper Vine

Ampelopsis arborea

Vitaceae (Grape Family)

▲▼ new foliage showing reddish color

▲▼ stem with tiny flower cluster

▲ vine growing along edge of road

Ampelopsis arborea:  Peppervine or Pepper Vine

Location near campus:  inside south fence of Japanese Stroll Garden at the Botanical Center in Springfield, MO

·         has alternate, bipinnately compound leaves that are glossy-red when they emerge, turning medium to dark green; leaves are 4-8” long and about 2/3 as wide, with ½ to 1 ¼ inc long leafleaflets with toothed margins

·         vines can grow 20-30 feet long/tall and more; climbs by clasping tendrils located opposite leaves at nodes

·         has axillary clusters (panicles) of tiny white flowers in late spring

·         fruit is a 1/3 inch diameter purple berry, edible to wildlife

·         very rampant growth, almost considered a weed in southeastern U.S.

·         native to Missouri and southeastern U.S.