ST. LAWRENCE EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO PARTNERSHIP FOR REGIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT
Porcelain berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) is an invasive woody vine in the grape family from northeast Asia. Since its introduction to the United States in 1870 as an ornamental, it has invaded moist soils and forest edges in twelve states in the northeast including New York.
With the ability to climb over 15 feet in a growing season, porcelain berry easily creates mats of thick twining vines which smother native vegetation. If established in residential or commercial areas, it is difficult to remove from fences, porches, and buildings and can incur costs for property owners.
Leaves of porcelain berry vary in shape from a simple heart-shaped leaf with coarse teeth, to a deeply lobed leaf with rigid edges. Flowers are green to white and form in small clusters in mid-summer. Fruit are small berries that can range in color from purple to blue and have a shine to them similar to porcelain–hence the name.
A combination of mechanical and chemical methods is most effective. Large vines must be cut near the ground and treated with a chemical herbicide or repeated cutting must occur. Garlon 3A, Garlon 4, as well as Roundup and Rodeo, have been used successfully. All courses of treatment should be completed before fruiting occurs to avoid building a seed bank. Herbicide applied in the fall will draw the treatment to the roots more effectively.
For more management information visit
EDD.Maps
USDA Forest Service
Photo credits:
Photo collage: top and bottom left phots, and bottom right photo taken by Megan Pistolese-SLELO PRISM, all others in the collage are credited to Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org
Bark comparison photo credit: Frank Hassler, Good Oak Ecological Services
Resources:
Mistaken Identity: Invasive Plants and Their Native Look-alikes
PREVENTION
Prevent the introduction of invasive species into the SLELO PRISM.
EARLY DETECTION & RAPID RESPONSE
Rapidly detect new and recent invaders and eliminate all individuals within a specific area.
COOPERATION
Share resources, including funding personnel, equipment, information, and expertise.
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Collect, utilize, and share information regarding surveys, infestations, control methods, monitoring, and research.
CONTROL
Control invasive species infestations by using best management practices, methods and techniques to include: ERADICATION (which is to eliminate all individuals and the seed bank from an area), CONTAINMENT (which is reducing the spread of established infestations from entering an uninfested area) and SUPPRESSION which is to reduce the density but not necessarily the total infested area.
RESTORATION
Develop and implement effective restoration methods for areas that have been degraded by invasive species and where suppression or control has taken place.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Increase public awareness and understanding of invasive species.
INNOVATION
Develop and implement innovative technologies that help us to better understand, visualize, alleviate or manage invasive species and their impacts or that serve to strengthen ecosystem function and/or processes.
Rob Williams
PRISM Coordinator
Megan Pistolese
Outreach and Education
Brittney Rogers
Aquatic Invasive Species
Robert Smith
Terrestrial Invasive Species