Vitis labrusca

Vitis labrusca
File:VitisLabruscaShortHills.jpg
Vitis labrusca growing in Short Hills Provincial Park, Ontario
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Vitales
Family:	Vitaceae
Genus:	Vitis
Species:	V. labrusca
Binomial name
Vitis labrusca L.

Vitis labrusca (Fox grape) is a species of grape native to the eastern United States. It is the source of many grape cultivars, including Concord grapes. It is characteristic of this vine to have tendrils form on every node of the cane (alternated with clusters). This is in contrast to the European wine grape Vitis vinifera. The characteristic "foxy" musk of V. labrusca is best known to most people through the Concord grape.

Important cultivars derived from Vitis labrusca

• Concord grape - largest cultivar, estimated at 80% of labrusca production
• Catawba grape
• Delaware grape
• Niagara grape

Warning

Appearances can be deceptive. Fox grapes look very similar to Canadian Moonseed (Menispermum canadense). The berries of the Canada Moonseed contain poisons which can prove fatal if eaten in substantial quantities. Before consuming any wild grapes it is vitally important to check that they are not Menispermum canadense. Wrong identification may have serious consequences.

See also

• List of grape varieties

External links

• Vitis labrusca at the PLANTS national database
• The common grapes guide at WineMaker.org
• University of Georgia Grape page.