Accession Count: 1
Common Name:
grape, wine grape
Family Name:
Vitaceae
Botanical Name:
Vitis vinifera
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The Vitis vinifera is a vigorous climber, it has a twining growth habit. Leaves are opposite and have forked tendrils along the stem that allow it to climb. The leaves are palmate and are coarsely toothed along the leaf margin. When in bloom, the aromatic flowers are dense thyrses. Berries appear in a variety of colors; dark blue-purple, red, green or yellow. Fruits can taste sweet and sour. Each fruit contains three to four pyrifom (pear-shaped) seeds (2).
Compound:
Vit vin
Geographic Origin:
Southeast and central Europe; Southwest Asia
Ecozone Origin:
Palearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Vitis vinifera is believed to be native to the Caspian Sea, in southwest Asia. From there, the plant spread as a result of wine cultivation throughout Greece, Rome, and southern France. The Romans later spread the fruit throughout Europe. It wasn’t until the 1700s when the grape was introduced to the United States by Spanish missionaries. Egyptians consumed grapes over 6,000 years ago (3).
Cultivation Notes:
The plant is grown mostly under the full sun in well-drained soils. The soil needs a well supply of nutrients in order to accommodate the plant's expansive root system. Average soil pH levels are between 5.0 and 8.0 with 7.0 being the preferred pH level (2). The plant can be grown from seed or cuttings. For optimal yield, sow the seeds in a cold frame and germinate in the Spring because it can take up to 12 months before emerging (2).
Ethnobotany:
Humans have found many uses for grapes. The juice of grapes can be ferment to make wine. The alcoholic beverage has been a luxury at the dining table for many centuries. Lastly, grapes can be eaten raw or dried out to make raisins that can be stored for many weeks before going bad (2).
Height:
50 - 100 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Green
Function:
Habitat
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
