Porcelain Berry (Ampelopsis glandulosa) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Porcelain berry is an Asian vine introduced to North America as an ornamental plant. Its small berries can be whitish, lilac, or blue. In the eastern United States, porcelain berry can grow densely over shrubs and trees, shading native plants.

Appearance

Growth form: A woody vine that climbs with and can form thick mats over other plants.
Leaves: Leaves vary greatly, from barely lobed to deeply cut, and have toothed edges. Young stems are often hairy.
Flowers: Small, pale flowers grow in branched clusters beside the leaves.
Fruit: Clusters of small berries may be whitish, lilac, or blue. Birds and other animals eat the fruit and move the seeds.

Look-alikes

Heartleaf PeppervineAmpelopsis cordata

Heartleaf Peppervine has smooth young twigs and leaves without lobes. Porcelain Berry often has hairy young stems and leaves that vary from shallowly to deeply lobed.

Why they get mixed upBoth are vines in the same genus in the eastern United States.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: forest edges
roadsides
lake shores
Range: It has spread through the northeastern United States and into parts of the Southeast; it is widespread in New York City.

Name and classification

About the name: Ampelopsis brevipedunculata is an older name for one variety within this species.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed
Status: Its dense growth can shade native plants.

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: New York State lists porcelain berry as a prohibited plant.

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