Pepper Vine (Ampelopsis arborea): Identification and Eradication Strategies

Battling a Tenacious Native Vine

The aggressive vine overtaking your property is Pepper Vine (Ampelopsis arborea), a native North American species spread by birds. It forms extensive underground runners, making it resistant to herbicides like Roundup—killing top growth only triggers regrowth from roots.

Effective Control

• Dig deeply to remove as much root system as possible.
• Persistent pulling and spot-spraying of regrowth.
• Monitor constantly—any root fragment can resprout.

Complete eradication requires a sustained, multi-season effort. Consider it a long-term management project rather than a one-time fix.

— Identified by Susan