Common Name: Porcelain-berry or Amur Peppervine
Specific Name: Ampelopsis glandulosa
Known Occurrence at Taylor Point:
Map areas: Cliffs 2D, Woodlands 3A, Woodlands 3B
Category: Invasive, Non-Native, Vine
Ecological Considerations:
Ampelopsis glandulosa is a deciduous, woody vine that climbs to heights of more than 20 ft. and closely resembles native species of grape. These branched tendril-bearing, non-adhesive woody vines have lenticels and white piths that are continuous across the nodes. The Ieaves are alternate, broadly ovate with a heart-shaped base, palmately 3-5 lobed or more deeply dissected, and have coarsely toothed margins. Flowering occurs in mid-summer, when greenish to white, inconspicuous flowers develop in small clusters. The fruits appear in September-October and are colorful, changing from pale lilac, to green, to a bright blue. Bark is ridged and furrowed, whereas native grape bark is shredded.
Problems Posed by this Plant:
The thick mats formed by Porcelain-berry climbing vine can cover and shade out native shrubs and young trees. Like other vines it can increase top-weight and cross section making them vulnerable to wind and snow damage.
Native Species Affected by this Plant:
Factors Affording a Competitive Advantage to this Plant:
Porcelain-berry grows vigorously shading out and out competing small plants.
Propagation Mechanisms and Related Issues Affecting Efforts to Remove and/or Eliminate this Plant from Taylor Point:
Porcelain-berry seed is eaten by birds and other small animals and dispersed in their droppings.
Documented Best Removal Practices and Options/Pros and Cons of Various Options:
Hand-pull vines before fruiting to reduce the spread of seeds. Plants can be pulled by hand, but it is difficult and labor intensive. If it is feasible, mow plants twice during the growing season to suppress growth. Prune vines in autumn or spring to prevent flower buds from forming.
Additional Photos
Sources cited:
URI College of Environmental Science
Wiki Porcelainberry
Invasives.org
Suzanne Enser, TPRA CRMA Permit Request Support Paper
Key Words:
Porcelain-berry
Amur Peppervine
Ampelopsis glandulosa
Vine