Grape ivy has leathery and glossy green ovate leaves arranged in a trifoliate pattern, each leaflet growing up to 8 inches (20 cm) long. The leaves have toothed margins towards the tips and silky brown hairs on the undersides. They are oppositely arranged with one leaflet missing or a forked tendril. The segments are rhombic-ovate, acute, and shiny dark green above with red pubescent veins beneath. The petioles are rust-colored and covered with fine hairs.

Grape ivy produces small, greenish-white flowers that are relatively inconspicuous, typically ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 inches (3 to 10 mm) in size. These flowers form in a compound cyme structure within the leaf axils. The blooms are greenish-white and have a subtle appearance, often unnoticed due to their diminutive size and blending color. Flowering rarely occurs in cultivated settings, adding to their elusiveness in garden environments.

The stem of grape ivy is notable for its yellow coloration adorned with reddish hairs, particularly prominent when young. These stems exhibit a robust structure, typically up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter. They display a climbing or sprawling growth habit with a tendency to branch extensively. The surface is covered with fine reddish trichomes, giving it a distinguishable texture. As the plant matures, the stem may become woody yet retain some of its characteristic coloration and pilosity.

The fruit of grape ivy is characterized as a dry berry, roughly spherical in shape. It reaches maturation displaying a rich purple-black hue, indicative of its ripeness. This berry typically possesses a smooth to slightly textured surface, which can provide a subtle visual intrigue. Although not primarily grown for ornamental purposes, the fruit emerges sparingly in indoor environments. The mature berries maintain a modest size not typically exceeding the diameter of a dime or about 17-18 millimeters (0.67-0.71 inches). The non-showy nature of this fruit makes it an understated feature of grape ivy.