This native vine sprawls over other vegetation, but may also have a primary woody stem up to 1 inch in diameter. It spreads by root suckers as well as by seed. The leaves are alternate on the stem, elliptic and pointed (A,B). The small greenish flowers are arranged in clusters (B). The berry-like fruit turns orange (D,E) and splits by October to expose scarlet seeds which may persist on the vine into winter (D).
Grows on woodland hillsides and near water, flowering in May and June. In Fontenelle Forest, rare along Stream Trail. At Neale Woods, uncommon at the entrance to Knull Prairie and elsewhere.
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