Vitis labruscana

L. H. Bailey

Vitaceae Edible: Fruit, Leaves, Tendrils 43 iNaturalist observations

Has a deadly poisonous lookalike — see comparison below

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Summary

A deciduous climbing vine reaching 15 meters, hardy to UK zone 5. Flowers from June to July with seeds ripening September to October. Hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Grows in mildly acid to basic pH and adapts to semi-shaded woodlands or full sun, thriving in both dry and moist conditions.

Description

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or dried for winter use. It has a 'foxy' flavour generally less popular in Europe, though the berries are larger and less pronounced in this regard than those of Vitis labrusca. Fruit is about 25mm in diameter and is carried in fairly large bunches. It is widely used for winemaking in North America. Young leaves are used to wrap other foods before baking, lending them a pleasant flavour. Young tendrils can be eaten raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It suits USDA hardiness zones 4-8.

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. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Cultivated for its edible fruits, used mainly for making wine, in Eastern N. America. There are many named varieties. Plants climb by means of tendrils. Any pruning should be carried out in winter when the plants are dormant otherwise they bleed profusely. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation

Seed is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it ripens. Six weeks of cold stratification improves germination rates, so stored seed should be sown in a cold frame as soon as it is obtained. Germination usually occurs in the first spring but may take another 12 months. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, overwinter in a cold frame, and plant out in early summer. Note that as a hybrid species, seed is unlikely to come true. Hardwood cuttings of the current season's growth can be taken in December or January and rooted in a frame. These may be 15–30cm long, or short single-bud sections about 5cm long. For the shorter sections, remove a thin strip of bark roughly 3cm long from the lower side to encourage callusing and rooting; these smaller cuttings need more protection than longer ones. Layering is also an option.