Friday, September 5, 2014

Vitis vulpina - Frost Grape - Fox Grape

General Information
Common Name Fox Grape, Frost Grape
Scientific Name Vitis vulpina
Sun Tolerance Full Sun
Height Over 12 m (Over 40 ft)
Spread Over 3 m (Over 10 ft)
Growth Rate Fast
Bloom Time Summer
Color Green
Flower Color Yellow
Type Creepers & Climbers
Native United StatesEuropeAsia
Classification
Kingdom Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
SuperdivisionSpermatophyta – Seed plants
Division Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass Rosidae
Order Rhamnales
Family Vitaceae – Grape family
Genus Vitis L. – Grape
Species V. vulpina

Vitis vulpina - Fox Grape
Vitis vulpina common name is Frost Grape also known as Fox Grape is an herbaceous perennial vine. It is native to USA. The genus name Vitis comes from the Latin word for "vine" and the species name vulpina comes from the Latin word for "fox-like" or belonging to a fox. It is believed that foxes were attracted to this type of grapevine and Linnaeus used the term vulpina to differentiate these smaller wild grapes from the other American known grapes. Its acidic/tart-tasting grape becomes more desirable and sweet once it is exposed to a frost. The frost grape is found in much of the eastern half of the United States from New York to Minnesota. V. vulpina has a relatively long lifespan with a moderate growth rate. It is generally a high-climbing woody vine with a thick trunk and red tendrils. Typically the vine will reach a maximum height of about 83 feet.
V. vulpina can be either semi-deciduous or deciduous. It blooms yellow flowers in May to June. The flowers are arranged in compound panicles with 5 yellow petals, 5 sepals and 5 stamen. The leaves are arranged alternately with a cordate shape. Venation is palmate. Unlike other wild grapes there are no tufts of hair present on the leaves. Tendrils appear every third leaf oppositely are reddish in color and used for growth along surfaces. The grapes are tiny and dark purple. It is commonly used for made refreshing drinks. The grapes and the vine itself have many uses ranging from herbal remedies to edible delicacies. Many parts of the plant are used in herbal medicines. The leaves of the plant are used sometimes for liver treatments because they are considered hepatic. When the leaves are wilted, they are used as a poultice to relieve tenderness of the breasts after childbirth. The bark can be infused to treat urinary problems. 
Vitis vulpina - Fox Grape Flowers

Vitis vulpina - Fox Grape Leaf

Vitis vulpina - Fox Grape Leaves

Vitis vulpina - Fox Grape Fruits

Vitis vulpina - Fox Grape Fruits

Vitis vulpina - Fox Grape Fruits

Vitis vulpina - Fox Grape Branch

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