Perennial with annual climbing stems, growing from a tuberiferous rootstock. Leaves are extremely variable, from broadly ovate or pentagonal to deeply palmately 3-5 lobed, margins finely serrate. The leaf surface may be near glabrous, except for scattered hairs along the veins or shortly pubescent throughout. Tendrils simple. male and female flowers similar but separate on different plants. Fruit ellipsoid, orange-red, surface smooth.