Northern Fox Grape, Fox grape

Vitis labrusca

Physical Characteristics

Vitis labrusca is a deciduous Climber growing to 15 m (49ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May 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. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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

Eastern N. America - Maine to S. Carolina and Tennessee. Locally naturalized in Europe[50].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Oil Sap Shoots Edible Uses: Oil Fruit - raw or dried for winter use[1, 2, 46, 61, 161]. The fruit can also be made into pies, preserves etc[183]. A distinctive musky aroma and taste that is not acceptable to many people[11, 183, 200]. The fruit is best after a frost[101]. Sweetish[43], it contains 6.6 - 16.6% sugars[179]. The fruit is up to 2cm in diameter[200] and is produced in fairly large bunches[235]. Young leaves - cooked[55, 159]. A pleasant acid flavour, they are cooked as greens or can be wrapped around other foods and then baked, when they impart a pleasant flavour[183]. Young tendrils - raw or cooked[55, 85, 159]. Sap. Best harvested in the spring or early summer, it has a sweet flavour and makes a pleasant drink[101]. The sap should not be harvested in quantity or it will weaken the plant[K]. An oil is obtained from the seed[46, 61]. This would only really be a viable crop if large quantities of grapes were being grown for wine.

Medicinal Uses

Miscellany Poultice Urinary The leaves are hepatic[257]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea, hepatitis, stomach aches, fevers, headaches and thrush[222, 257]. Externally, the leaves are poulticed and applied to sore breasts, rheumatic joints and headaches[222, 257]. The wilted leaves have been applied as a poultice to the breasts to draw away soreness after the birth of a child[257. An infusion of the bark has been used to treat urinary complaints[257].

Known Hazards

None known