Vitis amurensis Rupr.

A strong-growing, deciduous vine of somewhat similar character to, but quite distinct from, V. vinifera, with reddish young shoots, flossy when young, a thick, hard disk of wood dividing the pith at the joints. Leaves 4 to 10 in. wide, somewhat longer, five-lobed, often deeply so, the middle lobe then of broadly ovate form, with a slender abrupt point; the base has a deep, round, broad sinus; under-surface somewhat downy.

Native of N. China, Korea and the Russian Far East, with a variety in Japan; introduced to Europe about the middle of the last century. It is worth growing for the usually fine crimson and purple autumn hues of its noble foliage.