Pepper vine (Ampelopsis arborea)

Pepper vine

Also known as: Cow itch

Pepper vine (Ampelopsis arborea) is a plant native to the southwestern region of the United States. It is planted as an ornamental vine in gardens, but gardeners must be careful because it can rapidly grow and pull down the branches from other trees.

Scientific classification

Species

Pepper vine (Ampelopsis arborea)

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial

Lifespan

2.5 m to 3 m

Spread

Green, Yellow, Red, Purple

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Red, Green, Black, Blue, White

Fruit Color

White, Green, Yellow

Flower Color

Red

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Pepper vine

Distribution of Pepper vine

Distribution Map

Pepper vine is found in many states across the southcentral and eastern US. It is a deciduous vine that lives in a wide variety of habitats from savannas to wetlands across North America. It has also been introduced to the Caribbean.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Swampy woods, stream bottoms, fence posts, disturbed areas

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Pepper vine is a native vine useful on reclaimed land and rewilding-type properties as it helps support wildlife. Although its blue or black berries are decorative, it can easily overtake an average garden and is best pulled out in the spring before flowering. If you live in a flower-prone area, another reason not to have it is its extreme flammability rating.

Symbolism

Protection

Interesting Facts

The easy growing habit and strong survival instincts of the pepper vine make it both a blessing and a curse. A prolific berry bloomer, the fruit attracts a wide variety of birds and small animals. The birds and mammals eat from the vine and then go about dispersing the seeds to spread the plant far and wide.

Name Story

Pepper vine: Every summer, the plant climbs up the fence shelf and occupies the territory of other plants. Moreover, it produces purple grape-like berries in large quantities. Sadly, the taste of these berries is not so acceptable as they taste like peppery hot, so they are called pepper vine.

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Toxicity

If ingested, pepper vine can harm humans due to toxic berries, causing mild symptoms like stomachache and throat irritation. Moderately toxic to cats and dogs, ingestion of pepper vine's fruits can lead to discomfort and gastrointestinal issues. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial for pets consuming parts of this plant.

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Quickly Identify Pepper vine

Compound leaves with rich green shifting to autumn colors before dropping.

Inconspicuous greenish-white flowers in flat-topped clusters during summer.

Multicolored spherical berries maturing from red to blue-black, reaching 5/8 inch (1.6 cm).

Alternate, bi-pinnately divided leaves with ovate, toothed leaflets changing colors.

Robust climbing vine with tendrils, thriving in moist environments, forming dense thickets.

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Care Guide for Pepper vine

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Pepper vine thrives with minimal care, needing watering every three weeks and exhibiting high drought tolerance. Preferring dry conditions, it effectively stores water. Best grown outdoors, pepper vine is suited for temperate climates, benefiting from natural rainfall without frequent supplemental irrigation.

Fertilize: For optimal growth and fruiting of pepper vine, use high nitrogen fertilizers early in the season, switching to balanced ones mid-season, applied every 4-6 weeks. Follow manufacturer recommendations to avoid over-fertilization. Reduce application during dormant seasons and use protective gear when handling fertilizers.

Pruning: Pepper vine thrives with early spring pruning to remove dead wood and thin overcrowded areas, enhancing air circulation and light penetration. This practice controls growth and shape, promoting health and aesthetics. Always sanitize tools to prevent disease transmission.

Propagation: Pepper vine thrives in propagation during spring and summer via softwood cuttings or layering methods. Moderate difficulty can be observed as new growth indicates root formation. Ensure cuttings or layers are sourced from healthy parent plants for best results.

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Images of Pepper vine

Distribution of Pepper vine

Culture

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Pepper vine

Care Guide for Pepper vine

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