heartleaf peppervine
(Ampelopsis cordata Michx.)

Overview

Appearance

Ampelopsis cordata is a perennial climbing vine in the grape family, but its fruit is not edible. It is native to the southeastern United States.

Foliage

Foliage is about 5 in (13 cm) long and 4 in (10 cm) wide broadly ovate, with an extended tip, coarsely toothed margins, and a truncate to heart shaped base.

Flowers

Small creamy white flowers are inconspicuous, borne in wide compact clusters and are held opposite the leaves. It usually blooms May to July.

Fruit

Fruit are a grape-like berry slightly wider than long, ripening from late summer into fall. As they ripern they turn from orange-pink to turquoise-blue.

Ecological Threat

Although A. cordata is native to teh southeastern U.S., it has become weedy and invasive in some areas outside its native range.

Invasive Listing Sources

No reference that we have lists this species as invasive in North America. This species is included for comparison to other species that are considered invasive.

References