Ampelopsis brevipedunculata is a woody vine with simple, palmately 3-5 lobed leaves. The degree of lobing may vary greatly. Leaves are alternate on the stem and a tendril may develop across from each leaf. This species is in the grape family and looks roughly similar to wild grapes, but the white pith of Ampelopsis will distinguish it from the brown pith of our wild grapes (Vitis spp.).

The vines of Ampelopsis can climb aggressively, but may be just as troublesome if they spread horizontally near the soil surface, where they can effectively blanket the ground and crowd out all native species. In some situations farther to the south where it is more wide spread and abundant, the growth of Ampelopsis is reminiscent of kudzu. It is not yet widespread in Wisconsin, but it has been reported growing out of cultivation here and it should be treated as potentially very dangerous.