Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Vitaceae
Botanical Name
Vitis rotundifolia
Plant Common Name
American Bull Grape, Muscadine
General Description
Muscadine grapes are native to the eastern United States south to Florida and west to Kansas and Mexico. They are deciduous, vigorous, woody vines which grow rampantly. The leaves are oval to triangle-shaped, dark glossy green on top, lighter below and are toothed on the margins. The vines climb by tendrils and the bark is tight, but scruffy. The small flowers are produces in clusters of a few flowers in the spring, followed by a thick-skinned berry with musky-tasting pulp. Wild muscadine flowers are dioecious, male and female flowers on separate plants. Some cultivars are self-fertile, other require a pollinator.
Muscadine vines are tolerant of most soils as long as it is well drained. Full sun locations are best for fruit production. Newly set plants should be well irrigated during the first year to ensure good health for future fruitfulness. The vines require support, arbors, trellises, and vineyard post-wire designs work well. Fertilize during the growing season, irrigate when weather is dry and control weeds to ensure a good crop of grapes which traditionally ripen in the summer. Muscadine grapes are good for home fruit production, u-pick and fresh fruit markets and occasionally for commercial wine and juice.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
11 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 10
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Plant Type
Fruit
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Width
30'-100' / 9.1m - 30.5m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Southeastern United States, Mexico
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Vining/Climbing
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White, Green
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Fruit Color
Green, Burgundy, Plum, Bronze, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gold, Tan
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Bark Color
Brown, Chocolate
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Fissured
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Usage
Edible, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Rock Garden / Wall, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Vine
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
