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.