WILD GRAPE
Scientific Name: Vitis spp.
Other Names: Grape vine
Family: Grape Family (Vitaceae)
General Description: Perennial, reproducing by seed.
Habitat: Wild grape grows in woods, on riverbanks, along fencerows as well as in orchards, vineyards and nurseries.
Stems
- Climbing or trailing vines
- Older stems are covered in brown bark that appears shredded
- Smaller stems are green or red and hairless
Leaves
- Alternate (1 per node)
- 5-12 cm in length
- Coarsely toothed
- Veins radiate out from point where leaf and petiole join
- Usually with 3 lobes but may not be lobed
- Generally maple-leaf or heart-shaped
- Underside is slightly hairy, upper surface smooth
Flowers
- Greenish
- In long clusters
- Flowers in late spring and early summer
Fruit
- In clusters
- Purplish-black berries
- Smaller than fruits of commercially grown grapes
- Ripen September to October
Often Confused With
Virginia creeper – Leaves of Virginia creeper are compound, wild grape leaves are not.