Peppervine

Description:

Peppervine fruit is attractive food for both birds and mammals. The seeds are dispersed in their droppings, spreading this vigorous native plant. Berries appear from September into late fall. As a cluster matures, berries change from green to white to red to shiny blue-black.

Habitat:

Edge of the woods next to a mowed area. Intertwined with other small scrub plants and a willow of some kind.

Notes:

Also called Buckvine.

Some disagreement among sources, but probably not edible by humans.

Peppervine can become a pest. The desirable characteristics of its colorful berries, good ground coverage, trellis climbing ability, pest resistance and tolerance of adverse weather conditions are the same characteristics which often make it undesirable in cultivation. It will quickly overtake 'gardens' and kill out any desirable smaller plants that happen to be in its path. (Texas AgriLife Extension Service)