Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > Is this plant a weed? > Broadleaf Weeds > Vining > Wild Grape
Wild Grape (Riverbank Grape)
Vitis riparia Michx.
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Found in:
- Rich, fertile soils of woodlands, along fences, around homes, and along streams and lakeshores
- Full sun to light shade
Characteristics:
- Perennial woody vine up to 50’ long with tendrils
- Climbs trees, shrubs, or fence rows; will sprawl in open areas
- Woody stems branch occasionally; older stems are covered with shaggy bark
- Smaller non-woody stems are green or red, and hairless
- Leaves are up to 6" long and 4" across; margins are coarsely toothed; underside of leaf is slightly hairy, upper surface is smooth
- Small greenish-white or greenish-yellow fragrant flowers have 5 tiny petals
- Fruit is a cluster of round, juicy, very sour, dark blue berries that ripen Sept. - Oct.
- Central taproot branches occasionally
Significance
- Can overtake and “smother” the plant it climbs over
- Fruit is edible
Plants that look similar:
- Virginia Creeper
- Wild Cucumber
- Boston Ivy
