Life cycle: deciduous, woody vine. This is a native vine and should be left to grow in natural areas.
Growth habit: stems trailing or climbing by tendrils with adhesive discs; leaves alternate, palmately compound, usually 5 leaflets but sometimes 3 or 7, football to egg-shaped, margins toothed; often mistaken for poison ivy which has 3 leaflets and climbs by aerial roots
Reproduction: usually spread by seed but stems will root when they touch the ground; flowers greenish in clusters; blue-black berries
Conditions that favor growth: valued for ornamental fall color; common weed of landscapes; tolerates a wide range of conditions.
Some people view this plant as a weed in residential landscapes; however, it is useful as a groundcover, a bank stabilizer, or an alternative to invasive plants. If it is not desired in a particular location, young seedlings and vines can be pulled up by hand.
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