Pepper Vine

Ampelopsis arborea

Physical Characteristics

Ampelopsis arborea is an evergreen Climber growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Southern N. America - Florida to Texas and north to Illinois and Oklahoma.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked. A poor taste[177]. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter and contains 3 seeds[200, 235]. It is carried in small bunches on the plant, rather like grapes[K]. The flesh is thin and inedible[235].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known