Peppervine

Description:

Peppervine (also known as Buckvine or Cow Itch) is a perennial climbing shrub in the family Vitaceae, making it a close cousin to grapes, muscadines, and virginia creeper vines. They are well known in the Southeastern United States and are often planted as a native ornamental. Birds love the berries, and the leaves attract myriad insects, although it is considered fairly pest resistant. These berries are edible, although they have small needles of calcium oxalate that can cause throat irritation. These can be easily separated and the remaining fruit and juice and be used for juices, jellies/jams, and wines.

Habitat:

It was found overtaking a thick patch of a cane-like plants with massive (probably 10-12ft.) stalks. It was extremely close to the Arkansas River, near very sandy soil (although the soil beneath the thick patch of growth may have varied.) The area looked like it gets ample sunlight and partial shade. This was at Cadron Settlement park near Conway, Arkansas.

Notes:

An alternative scientific name seems to be Nekemias arborea. Additional Resource(s): https://www.foragingtexas.com/2008/09/pe...