(Ampelopsis brevipedunculata)
Family: Grape family (Vitaceae)
Native Range: Asia, China, Japan
Porcelain berry is a deciduous, woody vine that can closely resemble native grape species. It is also known as amur peppervine and is native to Japan and northern China. It was imported as an ornamental plant in the late 19th century. The vines can climb to 20 feet or more in height, and have alternate, simple leaves. Leaves can vary significantly, ranging from heart-shaped to palmately lobed leaves with three to five lobes. Leaves have toothed margins. Porcelain berry can grow in both partial shade and full sun, and prefers moist soils. It is often found in stream banks, forest edges, and heavily disturbed areas. Flowers are small and greenish-white, appearing in mid to late summer. The fruits of porcelain berry are bright, round and hard, starting off green or yellow and becoming robin’s egg blue, often with spots.
Reproductive/Dispersal Methods
Birds and mammals eat and spread the fruits of porcelain berry. Any industrial or landscaping related soil transfer can also spread the seeds if
soil is contaminated with porcelain berry fruit/seeds.
Similar Species
Porcelain berry strongly resembles several native grape species. The best way to tell the apart is by the fruit, or by looping at the pith (interior) of the vine. Porcelain berry usually has a white pith, and grape’s pith is brown. Additionally, grape bark is often peeling while porcelain berry bark is smoother.
Impact
Porcelain berry grows extremely quicky and can form mats over native vegetation. Vines can cover tree canopies and shade out native shrubs and seedlings.
Distribution
In the United States, porcelain berry is now found throughout southern New England, throughout the Mid-Atlantic, and in some parts of the Southern and Midwestern regions. Porcelain berry is listed as “Likely Invasive” by the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group (MIPAG).
Management Options:
Small porcelain berry seedlings and vines can be hand pulled. Large vines can be cut and treated with a systemic herbicide such as triclopyr or glyphosate. For large populations, foliar spray of systemic herbicide may be effective. Several years of treatment will likely be necessary to control the population. Be sure to follow all federal, state, local, and product guidelines when applying herbicide.
Sources and Links:
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_010249.pdf
University of Maryland Extension
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/invasives-your-woodland-porcelain-berry
UMass Amherst Extension Landscape, Nursery & Urban Forestry Program
https://extension.umass.edu/weed-herbarium/weeds/ampelopsis-brevipedunculata
Mass Audubon
https://www.massaudubon.org/nature-wildlife/invasive-plants-in-massachusetts/porcelain-berry