Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Palmate with 3 to 5 shallow lobes and a cordate base
Margin
Serrate to dentate
Arrangement
Alternate with a slender petiole
Venation
Palmate venation with prominent, raised veins on the lower surface
Key Features
Broadly cordate-based blade with palmate lobing and sharply toothed margins
Description
A woody, climbing vine with tendrils, producing small fragrant flowers followed by fleshy, spherical berries that ripen to dark purple or black in autumn
Habitat
Thickets, woodland edges, and disturbed areas in moist to well-drained soils
Native Range
Native to eastern North America and widely distributed in temperate regions
Identified on 10/18/2026