Akebia is a twining deciduous woody fruiting vine. Unlike many fruiting vines, it is shade tolerant. Leaves are somewhat evergreen and young leaves may have a purplish hue. Vines can grow 20 to 40 feet horizontally or vertically and can grow along a fence or trellis to provide summer shade. They respond well to pruning. Vines show bright purple blooms in early summer and the sausage shaped fruits ripen in fall. Fruit pods open to reveal edible pulp.