Ampelopsis
(Porcelain Berry)
It 's hard to think of a more eye-catching plant than Ampelopsis brevipedunculata in the fall. Spring and summer, it has handsome foliage that is easily mistaken for grape leaves. In fact, it used to be classified as a grape, and the fruits are edible, though not tasty, except, apparently, to birds.
|
|
Ampelopsis
brevipedunculata, Porcelain Berry, is a vigorous,
spreading vine that requires a trellis and may grow 8' tall or more,
and 15' in spread. In humid-summer climates, such as the eastern
US, the plant is considered invasive, and should be avoided. It
is prohibited in Mass. and ought to be elsewhere, so we don't ship
east of the Rockies. In the dry-summer west, however, it is
perfectly tame and may be planted without concern, except that it
does need room. It's great for shading an arbor, and will grow happily
in either sun or shade, although sun may produce a bit more bloom.
In fall, the plant is loaded with berries that are a bit
smaller even than wine grapes, and not as densely clustered. The
berries may be green, white, purple, or turquoise-blue, depending
on their stage of ripening, and have a porcelain-like sheen that
cause many observers to comment that they don't look real. Like
its grape cousins, it is deeply rooted, and doesn't require watering
once it becomes established. |
