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COMMON NAME Porcelainberry FULL SCIENTIFIC NAMEAmpelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv. FAMILY NAME COMMONGrape family FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAMEVitaceae IMAGES
NOMENCLATURE/SYNONYMS Synonyms: Ampelopsis heterophylla (Thunb.) Sieb. & Zucc. DESCRIPTIONAmpelopsis brevipedunculata is a tendril-bearing perennial vine that can grow 3-6 m (10-20 ft.) high or more. The alternate leaves are cordate-ovate and are 5-10 cm (2-4 in.) across. The young twigs, petioles and the undersides of the leaves are hairy. The leaves are slightly 3-lobed, sometimes 5-lobed and can be cleft. They are short-acuminate and crenate-dentate with apiculate points. The green flowers, arranged in cymes, are dense and small and appear in July-August. The fruit appear in September are spherical and 6-8 mm (0.25-0.3 in.) in size. They are hard berries that can vary in color from yellow to lilac to green, and most often end up a sky blue. These berries can be marbled and a variety of colors can be found in one cluster of fruit. Page References Bailey 651, Fernald 994, Gleason & Cronquist 343, Holmgren 323, Magee & Ahles 726, Seymour 382. See reference section for full citations. SIMILAR SPECIES Vitis spp. (Grapes)
REPRODUCTIVE/DISPERSAL MECHANISMSThe seeds of Ampelopsis brevipedunculata are bird dispersed, though there has been some indication of water acting as a secondary method of dispersal.
DISTRIBUTIONAmpelopsis brevipedunculata is native to Japan and North China. Its current range in the U. S. is from New Hampshire to Georgia and west to Wisconsin. In New England it is present in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
HISTORY OF INTRODUCTION IN NEW ENGLANDAmpelopsis brevipedunculata was introduced into cultivation in 1870 on the grounds of eastern estates to be used as a bedding and screening plant. The variety 'Elegans' was introduced before 1847. Thus, it was most likely introduced into New England by direct planting, or possibly through bird dispersal.
HABITATS IN NEW ENGLANDAbandoned Field,Early Successional Forest,Edge,Pasture,Planted Forest,Railroad Right-of-Way,Roadside,Utility Right-of-Way,Vacant Lot,Yard or GardenAmpelopsis brevipedunculata prefers moist soils and partial sun. It grows well along stream banks and thickets. It can also be found along highway shoulders, railroad beds, shorelines, in fields, hedges or at the edges of forests.
THREATSBecause it is a vine, Ampelopsis brevipedunculata has the ability to grow up and smother native vegetation. The extra weight of this vine on the underlying plant makes it more susceptible to wind and ice damage. Ampelopsis brevipedunculata grows rapidly and is difficult to control. The fruit can float, so water can disperse these plants long distances. The seeds are known to have a high germination rate, aiding the establishment of this plant. MANAGEMENT LINKS Plant Conservation Alliance Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation DOCUMENTATION NEEDS Documentation required: A specific photograph or mounted snippet of the leaves with fruits.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation University of Connecticut Plant Database North Carolina State University, Consumer Horticulture The PLANTS Database Integrated Taxonomic Information System DATA RETRIEVALDataMAPS OF PLANT DISTRIBUTION IN NEW ENGLANDMap
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