Porcelain Ampelopsis, Porcelain Berry               am-pe-LOP-sis brev-i-ped-unk-u-LA-ta

• Broadleaf deciduous vine, vigorous, climbing by tendrils, to more than 25 ft (7.6 m).  Leaves simple, alternate, 5-15 cm long, similar width, 3-lobed, occasionally 5 lobed, coarsely serrate, cordate at base, dark green above with short pubescence, covered with bristles below.  Flowers small, greenish, not ornamental.  Fruit is a berry, about 7 mm diameter, yellow to lilac then blue or amethyst purple, in early fall.
• Sun (best for fruiting) or part shade, nearly any soil.  Requires support for climbing.
• Hardy to USDA Zone 4      Native to China, Korea, Japan and far eastern Russia.  Several cultivars, including the variegated selection 'Elegans'.
• Caution: birds may eat the abundant fruit that it produces and disperse the seeds.  If left unchecked in natural areas, it may grow quickly and cover large areas and outcompete native species.  It is considered an invasive species in several eastern states.
• Ampelopsis: from the Greek ampelos, grape, and opsis, resembling (i.e., it resembles the grape vine).   brevipedunculata: with short peduncles.
• Portland: Elk Rock, The Garden of the Bishop's Close