Summer Grape
Vitis aestivalis
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Pl. 9949 — Vitis aestivalis
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IOverview
Overview
Summer Grape (Vitis aestivalis) is a deciduous vine native to the eastern United States, ranging from Maine and Wisconsin south to Florida and Texas. Known for its edible fruit and leaves, this plant thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist to dry soil that can be light, medium, or heavy. It grows up to 20 meters tall and is hardy in zones 3-7. The vine's distinctive features include its small, dark purple grapes and attractive foliage that turns a vibrant red in autumn. Found naturally in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Quick answers
What is Summer Grape?
Summer Grape (Vitis aestivalis) is a deciduous vine native to the eastern United States, ranging from Maine and Wisconsin south to Florida and Texas. Known for its edible fruit and leaves, this plant thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist to dry soil that can be light, medium, or heavy.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Summer Grape thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist but well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 3-7 and can grow up to 20 meters tall as a vine. For best results, maintain soil pH between 5.3 and 7. Propagate through cuttings or layering. Ensure the plant gets enough water, especially when fruiting, but avoid overwatering to keep the soil from becoming too wet.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Habit
Vine
Mature size
20.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.3–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Summer Grape for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance vine that thrives in various conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
Summer Grape vines and a trellis or support system.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil, either in the ground or a large pot.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young vines directly into the garden or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outdoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist, but avoid overwatering. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering during dry spells, especially when fruit is developing. Prune in late winter or early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune vines annually to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Harvest fruit in late summer or early fall.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing enough support, neglecting winter pruning, planting in heavy clay soil, and using too much fertilizer.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesSap
Edible uses: The Summer Grape's fruit can be eaten raw or used in jams and jellies. The leaves are sometimes added to salads for a mild flavor. Sap from the plant is occasionally collected and consumed as a sweetener.
Other uses:DyeFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Rhode I., South Carolina, Tennessee
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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