Wild Grape
Wild Grape
Wild Grape (Vitis riparia) is a fast-growing, climbing, or trailing vine that grows up 75 feet long. This woody perennial can climb over tree trunks and up into the canopy of trees by the use of tendrils. If uncontrolled it can potentially kill small trees and shrubs due to heavy shading. It has heart-shaped, three-lobed leaves with toothed margins with tiny clusters of sweetly scented yellow-greenish flowers appearing in the spring followed by clusters of bluish-black fruits in late summer and fall. This plant fruits best when grown in full sun; however, it can become aggressive.
The flowers are pollinated by bees and bumblebees. This plant is a food source for insects, songbirds, game birds, waterfowl, and mammals. The fruits are edible for human consumption and may be eaten fresh, dried, or made into jellies.