Origin:
Most are native to the United States and occur in most regions of the U.S.
Biology:
These are perennial, deciduous vines, with thick, woody stems and either a climbing habit in other foliage, or a thick carpeting habit on open ground. Vines are capable of forming a canopy over the tops of trees thick enough to kill the trees below. Climbing is facilitated by forked tendrils that form from the stems opposite the leaves. Propagation is by seeds, and sections of cut stems also can resprout.
Identification:
The woody stems and vinelike, climbing habit are distinctive. Leaves are alternate and are either lobed or not lobed but have distinctive toothed margins. Stems are brown and tend to shred in strips. There generally is no noticeable fall color prior to leaf drop. Clusters of small flowers form in late spring, with small berries forming in mid to late summer.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
Common weed pests in many habitats, including orchards, vineyards, landscapes and fence rows. Soil conditions range from sandy to moist and nutrient rich.
