Wild Grape

Vitus spp.

Family Vitaceae
Notable Features
Leaves: Leaves large and singly toothed*, heart-shaped and often lobed*.
Twigs: Twigs end in tiny, forked, climbing, green tendrils. Bark of the woody portion of the vine a dark brown; shredded and peeling texture.
Fruit/ Flowers: Light green flowers appear early summer and give way to tight clusters of dark purple, amber, or black fruits with one to four seeds.
Size/ Shape: A high climbing woody vine*.
Location on Campus

(click for map)
Wild Grapes can be found climbing in several trees, although the easiest place to find them is around the Chapel's Field thicket on either side of the road between C-Lot and the back of the library.
Uses
The grapes can be eaten right off the vine, or used to make jelly or a cold drink. Young barely ripe grapes are an excellent source of pectin. Additionally, young leaves can be eaten as a cooked green, boiled for 10 to 15 minutes and buttered, or can be wrapped around rice or meats and baked.
Except where specifically noted, all text, photographs, and drawings copyright Chris Bersbach and Lisa Leombruni 2002. No part of this page may be reproduced without the express permission of the authors.