Fox grape, Vitis labrusca, also known as Northern Fox Grape and Wild Vine, is a perennial species of fruit bearing plant (grape vine), native to the easterly United States. Fox grape is a member of the Vitaceae family the genus vitis L. This Wild vine is the source of many grape cultivars including Concord grapes.

The fox grape has tendrils on every node of the cane in direct contrast to the European wine grape Vitis Vinifera. The distinctive "foxy" musk of V. labrusca is best known to most people through the Concord grape.

The fox grape vine could get to 100 feet in length. It is a strong, fast-growing, and establishes a thicket with its numerous branches wherever it grows. Its principal stem might have a diameter of 15 to 25cm.

Leaves of the fox grape are large and rounded or deeply lobed (three lobes) with serrate edges and covered underneath with rusty fleece.

Wild vines are generally "laden" with bunches of grape flower buds in season that in turn bear clusters of edible berries. The berries are 0.7cm in diameter with four seeds, when ripe in autumn, dark-purple in color and with a thick skin that strips easily from the sour tasting pulp.

While the grapes from Vitis labrusca produce a mediocre quality of wine, the plant is a significant one because it is the source of rootstock for grafted Vitis Vinifera cuttings since the last mentioned is susceptible to Phylloxera.

Since visual aspects can be misleading the following is a warning. Fox grapes appear very similar to Canadian Moonseed, Menispermum canadense. The berries of the Canada Moonseed contain poisonous substances which can prove deathly if eaten in significant quantities.

Prior to eating any wild grapes it is vitally important to insure that they are not Menispermum canadense. Incorrect identification could have dangerous outcomes.

Fox Grape, Northern Fox Grape, Wild Vine, vitis labrusca

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