High-climbing woody vine. Branches tight-barked (not exfoliating as in most other grapes), with numerous small lenticels, pith not chambered. Tendrils not branched. Leaves orbicular to deltoid-ovate, shiny-glabrous, 5-10 cm (2-4 in) wide, with broad blunt teeth. Inflorescence a compound panicle 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 in) long, blooming in late Spring. Fruits purple-black to bronze, 12-25 mm (0.5-1 in) in diameter, ripening in Fall.
Distribution: Native to about the southeastern quarter of the U. S.
Habitat: Streambanks, moist woods.
NWI status: none
Comment: Muscadine grapes are very large and pleasantly flavored, and are made into wine and jelly. Vitis is the old Latin name for grape; rotundifolia refers to the roundish leaves.
Distribution in Oklahoma:
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Last update: 9/22/99
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