Identification
Vine in the grape family but with much more incised leaves giving a frilly appearance. It climbs up into trees, carpeting them with dense foliage that prevents the trees’ photosynthesis, killing them, as well as shading out plants on the ground. To distinguish from a native grape, look for the frilly leaf, the multi-colored berries in Sept-Oct (the berries rise up from the stem whereas native grapes hang down in a bunch), the stem that has a white pith (grape is brown), and the stem that does not have peeling bark (grape stems peel).
Characteristics
Climbs, strangles, shades, and crowds out native species.
Control
Much like bittersweet – hand pull small vines, dig larger ones, cut ones that can’t be dug (cut at base and also at eye level). Once cut, it is not necessary to pull the vine down from the tree; when it has died it will easily be pulled down. Resprouts from cut stumps will occur if not chemically treated.
Dispose of any berries in bags and incinerate with trash.
Links and Resources
For more information on how to identify and control Porcelain berry, please refer to the resources below:
- Mass Audubon for identification
- Invasive.org for identification and control
Gallery
