The fox grape is native to eastern North America and this vine species has a "slip-skin" that allows the skin of the grape berries to easily slip off when squeezed, instead of crushing the pulp, and the presence of tendrils on every node of the cane. The characteristic "foxy" musk is best known to most people through the Concord grape. This musk is not related to the mammalian fox, but rather to the strong, earthy aromas characteristic of the grapes that were known by early European-American settlers in the New World. The term "foxy" became a sort of catchall for the wine tasting descriptors used for these American wines that were distinct from the familiar flavors of the European viniferous wines.
It is able to climb adjacent vegetation by means of forked tendrils. On very old vines, the base of the trunk can measure 12" across, but it is almost always smaller than this. Trunk bark is brown and very shredded, while mature woody stems are light brown to reddish brown, smooth, and sometimes finely grooved.
Larval Host for the
10'-40'
10'-40'
SIZE
SOIL
Mesic, Neutral, Moist, Sandy, Rocky, Well-drained
LIGHT
Part Sun, Sun
BENEFITS
Long-Horned Bees, Bees, Moths, Birds, Mammals
NOTES
Has some natural resistance to many grape diseases, including phylloxera. It is a robust plant, and in many states can be considered weedy or invasive. Prune in winter when plant is dormant to avoid "bleeding". Will spread by self seeding. Does best in a sheltered location with good air circulation. Required sturdy support.
CHARACTERISTICS
Tolerates Flooding, Edible Fruit, Showy Fruit
May, June
Vine
This
flowers in
Fox Grape
Vitis labrusca
DETAIL VIEW
DESCRIPTION
The fox grape is native to eastern North America and this vine species has a "slip-skin" that allows the skin of the grape berries to easily slip off when squeezed, instead of crushing the pulp, and the presence of tendrils on every node of the cane. The characteristic "foxy" musk is best known to most people through the Concord grape. This musk is not related to the mammalian fox, but rather to the strong, earthy aromas characteristic of the grapes that were known by early European-American settlers in the New World. The term "foxy" became a sort of catchall for the wine tasting descriptors used for these American wines that were distinct from the familiar flavors of the European viniferous wines.
It is able to climb adjacent vegetation by means of forked tendrils. On very old vines, the base of the trunk can measure 12" across, but it is almost always smaller than this. Trunk bark is brown and very shredded, while mature woody stems are light brown to reddish brown, smooth, and sometimes finely grooved.