Useful Nova Scotia Plants

Plants

Grapes

Common name

Grapes

Latin name

Vitis species

Characters

Woody vines, these plants produce opposite and lobed leaves. Their margins are toothed and they are pubescent on the lower surfaces. The vines climb using tendrils, which are modified leaves that easily secure the vines. Flowers have tiny petals and are unisexual. They are carried in cymes or panicles, appearing in May through July. Fruit ripens late fall after leaves have changed colour. The fox grape is a parent species of the Concord and Champion cultivars

Habit

Woody Vine

Edible Portion

Fruit

Habitat

Thickets streamside

Geography

Limited so far in Nova Scotia to the western part of the province: Spryfield, Bridgewater and along the Gaspereau River. Introduced from further south

Used For

Grapes are widely used in jams, jellies and beverages including wine. Ours are a bit tart for table use.
Photo: Martin Thomas