06/17/2026
Porcelain berry (Ampelopsis glandulosa) is a perennial, deciduous vine that can grow up to 20 feet long and can look very similar to our native grapes. Leaves are alternate, simple, variably shaped (from heart shaped to deeply lobed) with toothed edges, and shiny undersides with hairs only along the veins. The vine produces small greenish-yellow flowers that develop into hard berries in various shades of white, yellow, lilac, teal or green that mature to a bright blue. The pith is a distinct white color.
Porcelain berry prefers areas of full sun to partial shade and it grows in moist, rich soils found along streambanks and forest edges. It favors disturbance and takes advantage of flood damage or bank erosion.
Porcelain berry grows quickly and forms thick mats that outcompete native vegetation for light, water, nutrients and space. Once established, it will climb and shade out young shrubs and seedlings on the forest floor. Seeds are distributed by birds, small mammals and water. A high seed germination rate accompanied by its propagation through root fragments makes this vine species of particular concern and difficult to manage.
Herbicide treatment is the most effective control method for porcelain berry and should include either cut-stump or foliar spray treatments in the fall. Vines can also be manually removed to prevent seed dispersal, but care must be taken to pull out the entire root system to prevent resprouting. Follow up treatments in subsequent years is necessary.
If you see any porcelain berry while you’re at any of your favorite places, be sure to report it to NY iMapInvasives !
Photo Credit:
Slide 1: Leslie J Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org / Nancy Loewenstein, Auburn University, Bugwood.org
Slides 2 and 3: Nancy Loewenstein, Auburn University, Bugwood.org / Frank Hassler, Good Oak Ecological Services
