Vitis baileyana

Munson.

Graybark grape

Vitaceae Edible: Fruit, Leaves 66 iNaturalist observations

Has a deadly poisonous lookalike — see comparison below

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Summary

A deciduous climbing vine reaching 10 meters tall. Hardy to UK zone 6. Flowers June to July with seeds ripening September to October. Hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. Thrives in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay well-drained soils with mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. Grows in semi-shade or full sun in dry or moist conditions.

Description

Edible Uses

The fruit, measuring 4–7mm in diameter and borne in bunches, can be eaten raw or dried for winter use. Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and may be chewed to allay thirst; young leaves are also suited to wrapping around other foods before baking, imparting a pleasant flavour. Young tendrils can be eaten raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Cultivation

Prefers a deep rich moist well-drained moderately fertile loam. Grows best in a calcareous soil. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though a warm sunny position is required for the fruit to ripen. Plants climb by means of tendrils. Any pruning should be carried out in winter when the plants are dormant otherwise they bleed profusely. This species is closely related to V. vulpina. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation

Seed is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Six weeks of cold stratification improves germination, so stored seed should also be sown in a cold frame as soon as it is obtained. Germination usually occurs in the first spring but can take another 12 months. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame through their first winter, then plant out in early summer. Cuttings of mature wood from the current season's growth can be taken in December or January and rooted in a frame. These can be 15–30cm long, or short sections about 5cm long with a single bud at the top. For the shorter sections, remove a thin, narrow strip of bark about 3cm long from the lower portion of one side to encourage callusing and root formation; these shorter cuttings require a more sheltered environment than longer ones. Layering is also an option.