Chicken Grape

Vitis vulpina (VEE-tiss vul-PEEN-uh)

Family: Vitaceae Native Vine (vertical)

Frost grape is a long-lived, native woody deciduous vine in the Vitaceae (grape) family. It is found typically in upland woodlands and forests but occasionally in bottom land areas. Its height and width depend on as it needs appropriate support. Its distinguishing feature from similar grape species is its greenish-yellow undersides. Other similar species will be silver. The current years' growth will have round twigs, where others are angled and are reddened at the nodes. A close observation will also show that the Frost Grape has tendrils or inflorescence at only 2 nodes in a row. Other species tendrils and inflorescence can be found at 3 or more consecutive nodes. Although this plant does not do well in cold temperatures below -23 degrees F, the common name is derived from the fruits not becoming sweetened until after a frost. Prior to frost, the fruits have a tart and/or acidic taste. The frost brings on the sweetness. Being deciduous, in the fall, the plant will lose its leaves and go into dormancy, at which time, the fruits will shrivel up on the vine. If left on the vine, they will eventually become raisins, much to the delight of hungry wildlife. A sunny location is required for fruit production. The fruit and leaves are edible. The fruit can be eaten raw or dried for later use. The leaves, which have a pleasant flavor, are used as a wrap, surrounding other foods that are then baked. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Reseeds itself. Insects such as Grape Flea Beetle, Grape Root worm, Grapevine Aphid, Marmorated Stink Bug, larvae of gall flies, leafhoppers, spittlebugs, wood-boring larvae of the long-horned beetle, and leaf-mining larvae of the Heliozelid moth feed on the woody vines.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 63 attributes.