Ampelopsis cordata Michx.

Raccoon Grape; False Grape; Heartleaf Peppervine

Vine

Perennial

Vascular

Raccoon Grape is a native woody vine in the Grape family (Vitaceae). It is found throughout Alabama. Raccoon Grape occurs on river banks, in bottomland forests, in low woods, along fence rows, and along woodland margins. It is a perennial woody vine climbing by tendrils. Vines are up to 25 feet in length, with tight brown bark. Young stems are green in color and glabrous. Leaves are alternate, petiolate, ovate in outline with bases truncate or subcordate. The leaf margins coarsely and irregularly toothed. The leaf surface is glabrous or sparsely puberulent on the lower side. The leaves are deciduous. Bisexual flowers are produced in stalked and branched inflorescences opposite the leaves. The flowers are greenish-yellow in color with 5 petals and 5 stamens. The fruit is a 1-4 seeded rose to purple or black berry. The berries are not edible by humans, but are food for a number of bird species. Raccoon Grape is sometimes grown as an ornamental. It can be used as a screen, but is fast growing and must be frequently pruned to keep it under control.—A. Diamond.

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Native FAC+ (NWPL)

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