Vitis rotundifolia (Muscadine)

Vigorous and strong-growing, Vitis rotundifolia (Muscadine) is a large, deciduous, high-climbing, or prostrate vine valued for its edible, tasty fruit. Its long-reaching, alternately arranged branches are covered with rounded, coarsely serrated leaves, 4 in. wide (10 cm), smooth and dark green above, green-tinged yellow underneath. In the fall, the foliage turns shades of golden yellow. Muscadine is dioecious, with separate male plants and female plants. Male vines account for the majority of the wild muscadine grape population. While over 300 cultivars are sold in the Southeast United States, most are female. The oldest and best-known Muscadine variety is ‘Scuppernong’, named for the Scuppernong River in northeastern North Carolina. Tiny, insignificant greenish-white flowers appear in early summer, followed by shiny, purple-black to bronze berries/grapes in the fall. Borne singly or in small clusters, usually no more than 12 berries in a cluster, the large, round berries, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), have a thick, tough skin, and contain up to 5 hard, oblong seeds. They ripen in mid-summer to early fall and are a favorite food source for wildlife and humans. The fruits have a unique fruity flavor. They can be eaten fresh and can be used to make jellies, jams, juices, and wines. One reason for the popularity of muscadine grapes is that they are a sustainable fruit crop in the southeastern United States. They are tolerant of insect and disease pests, and gardeners can successfully grow them without spraying any pesticides. Unique to the American South, Muscadine Grape is the official state fruit of North Carolina.

• Can grow up to 80 ft. tall (24 m). The height and width of the vine vary due to the amount of support that the vine receives.
• Thrives in full sun in neutral to slightly acid, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates most soil types as long as they are well drained but prefers deep, sandy loam. Tolerates part shade but best fruit production occurs in full sun.
• Muscadines have a high degree of tolerance to pests and diseases (resistant to Pierce’s disease and the insect phylloxera).
• Propagate by layering or hardwood cuttings
• Muscadines should be pruned when they are dormant.
• Native to the southeastern and south-central United States.
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