Creeper

Description

Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata, with common names creeper, porcelain berry, Amur peppervine, and wild grape, is an ornamental plant, native to temperate areas of Asia. It is generally similar to, and potentially confused with, grape species (genus Vitis) and other Ampelopsis species. Ampelopsis glandulosa is a deciduous, woody, perennial climbing vine with flowers and tendrils opposite the palmately lobed leaves, which have 3 to 5 more or less deep lobes and crenellated margins (with a small apicle). The leaves are white-shiny underneath with a coarsely toothed margin. Porcelain berry climbs via tendrils to a height of 4-6m (15-20 ft). The tendrils cling to the supports by non-adhesive tendrils (like Vitis) and differently from the Parthenocissus genus which have adhesive balls). The tendrils are opposite the leaves and have 2 or 3 branches. The inflorescence is a corymbiform cyme, attached opposite a leaf. Flowers are small, green-white, born in umbels opposite the leaves, and appear in June through August. Fruits are 4-8mm in diameter, circular, containing 2-4 seeds, and may be many colors including green, blue, purple, pink or yellow with black or brown speckles; many different colors are present on the same plant. The berries are produced in late summer and fall. The seeds are dispersed by birds. Porcelain berry can be confused with native grapes based on leaf shape but can be differentiated by cutting the stem and observing the pith. Grapes have brown or tan pith but porcelain berry has white pith. It grows in forests where it clings to trees and shrubs. It is found in Northeast China (Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning), Korea, Siberia and Japan. It was introduced in 1870 to the United States where it became invasive in 13 states in the east (from New Hampshire to Georgia). Its very rapid growth makes it difficult to control. Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata has distinctive medium blue fruit, and is an ornamental plant used in gardens to garnish the walls and arbours. Porcelain berry is still widely cultivated despite knowledge of its invasiveness. That being said, if not properly managed it will become dominant on, and kill, many smaller trees. It will climb larger trees to the top.