Trees Planet: Vitis vulpina - Frost Grape

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 States, Europe, Asia

Classification

Kingdom	Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision	Spermatophyta – 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.