Wild Grape (Riverbank Grape)

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

More information and control options for Wild Grape