Northern Fox Grape
Vitis labrusca
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Pl. EDE4 — Vitis labrusca
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IOverview
Overview
Northern Fox Grape (Vitis labrusca) is a vine native to the northeastern and midwestern United States, including states like Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Known for its edible fruits, it is also used ornamentally in gardens due to its attractive foliage and clusters of grapes. This plant thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. Its distinctive feature includes the "foxy" taste of its fruits, which is a characteristic flavor profile often described as musky or spicy.
Quick answers
What is Northern Fox Grape?
Northern Fox Grape (Vitis labrusca) is a vine native to the northeastern and midwestern United States, including states like Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina,
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Northern Fox Grape thrives in light to medium moisture and prefers well-drained soils that are sandy, loamy, or clayey. It is hardy in zones 6-9 and can grow up to 15 meters tall as a vine. This plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Propagate through cuttings or layering. The fruits and leaves are edible. Maintain soil pH between 6.5 and 7 for best results.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Habit
Vine
Mature size
15.0 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Northern Fox Grape for the first time
8steps
Start with Northern Fox Grape as a simple, rewarding project for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, garden gloves, pruning shears.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil; amend with compost if necessary. Ensure containers are at least 5 gallons for each vine.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors when weather warms. Alternatively, plant young vines directly in the garden.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy. Monitor for pests and diseases; treat if necessary.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide a trellis or support system for climbing. Fertilize in early spring with compost. Prune annually after harvest.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune vines in late winter to maintain shape and encourage fruiting. Harvest fruits when they are fully colored and sweet.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing support, neglecting pruning, planting too deep, using chemical pesticides.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:leavesfruits
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:DyeoilRootstockFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
27 native · 3 introduced
Distribution
27 native · 3 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 27 native· 3 introduced
Europe3 regions
introduced (3)FrancePortugalRussia
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Massachusetts, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Rhode I., South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Alabama, District of Columbia, Masachusettes, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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