Fiveleaf Akebia is a vigorous, twining vine that grows 20 to 40 feet. It exhibits a delicate, woodsy look with dark blue-green palmate leaves and oval leaflets, which holds its color until they die and drop off with a hard freeze. Dark brownish-purple flowers appear in late March or early April, though they can be lost among the foliage. It does produce edible fruit, though for best fruit set, hand pollination is recommended. A lovely vine without the fruit, in any case, though again, quite vigorous.
Grow in sun or shade in nearly any soil except those being particularly wet. Is drought tolerant, and withholding water can help to control rampant growth. A good choice for trellises, arbors, pergolas, fences, and other structures; prune to control size.