Vitis vulpina (V. odoratissima)

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Common Name: Frost Grape, Fox Grape, Winter Grape, Wild Grape

Full to part sun; moderately wet to moderately dry moisture level; prefers fertile loamy soil but tolerates sandy and clay soil; pH adaptable.

Up to 60 feet long; white to yellow flowers; blooms in early summer; dark blue violet to black berries in fall; spreads both by re-seeding and by colonizing roots.

Growth Rate:  Medium to fast

Maintenance:  Can become aggressive

Propagation:  Germination code C(40)

Native Region:  Statewide

A high-climbing, woody vine that produces quite acid, sour fruit which sweetens after a frost, hence the common name of Frost Grape.  Climbs fences, shrubs and trees or can sprawl across the ground.  Flowers have a strong, sweet fragrance.  Native to floodplain woodland, river and stream banks, woodland openings and borders, thickets and fence rows.  High wildlife value.  Attracts bees, many kinds of birds and small mammals.  Provides excellent nesting and cover for songbirds.

Frost Grape, Fox Grape, Winter Grape, Wild Grape - Vitis vulpina (V. odoratissima) 2
Photo Courtesy of John Hilty http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/
Frost Grape, Fox Grape, Winter Grape, Wild Grape - Vitis vulpina (V. odoratissima) 3
Photo Courtesy of John Hilty http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/