Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Compound (pinnately trifoliate to palmately compound with 3 to 5 leaflets); deciduous
Shape
Elliptic to ovate with 3 to 5 leaflets
Margin
Serrate to doubly serrate
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with prominent, straight veins
Key Features
The palmately compound arrangement of five leaflets with sharply serrate margins and prickly stems clearly distinguishes this species.
Description
A low-growing, scrambling, deciduous shrub or vine with prickly, trailing stems, white five-petaled flowers, and aggregate fruit turning from green to red and finally black at maturity.
Habitat
Found in open woods, old fields, disturbed areas, and along roadsides in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soils.
Native Range
Native to the southeastern and south-central United States, extending north to New Jersey and west to Texas.
Identified on 10/16/2026