Summer Grape, Long grape

Vitis aestivalis

Basic Information

Family: Vitaceae

Genus: vitis

Plant ID (slug): vitis-aestivalis

Numeric ID: 25660

USDA Hardiness: 3-7

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Vitis aestivalis is a deciduous Climber growing to 20 m (65ft 7in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Southern and Eastern N. America - Ontario to Alabama. Locally naturalized in Europe[50].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Sap Edible Uses: Fruit - raw, cooked in jellies, jams, pies etc or dried for later use[1, 2, 22, 46, 183]. Agreeably flavoured[11, 200]. The taste is best after a frost[101].The dried fruits are eaten as snacks or used in baked goods[183]. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter[200] and is produced in fairly large bunches[235]. Leaves - cooked[55, 159]. Young leaves are wrapped around other foods and then baked, they impart a pleasant flavour. A sweet watery sap is obtained from the stem[101, 183]. Used as a refreshing drink. Young tendrils - raw or cooked[55, 85, 159].

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic Febrifuge Hepatic Poultice Stomachic Urinary The leaves are hepatic[257]. They have been used in the treatment of the liver[257]. The wilted leaves have been applied as a poultice to the breasts to draw away soreness after the birth of a child[257. A decoction of the leaves and stems has been taken in the treatment of stomach aches, fevers and headaches[257]. An infusion of the bark has been used to treat urinary complaints[257].