Ampelopsis brevipedunculata

Porcelain Berry, porcelainberry, amur peppervine, Asiatic creeper

Description: deciduous woody vine place of origin: northwest Asia 

Urban habitat: commonly found along highway and railroad banks, forest edges, stone walls, and chain-link fences; thrives in a wide variety of disturbed soils and readily overwhelms adjacent plants.

Ecological function: disturbance adapted colonizer; food and habitat for wildlife; erosion control; stream and river bank stabilization.

History: Ampelopsis brevipedunculata was introduced into North America in 1870 as an ornamental plant, prized for its beautiful blue fruits and highly dissected leaves. It escaped cultivation and is found throughout the eastern half of the US where it is considered invasive. In its native habitat, its fruits, roots and leaves have been used medicinally for treatment of bruises, blood clots, boils, and fevers. Its leaf buds, stems and fruits are edible, although are not widely considered palatable.