Vitis aestivalis aka Summer Grape

Vitis aestivalis, also known as the summer grape or pigeon grape, is a vigorous vine that can grow up to 10 meters high in trees. It is native to eastern North America, ranging from southern Ontario to Florida and Texas. The leaves are suborbicular, 7-20 cm long, and vary in shape from unlobed to deeply three- or five-lobed, with green upper sides and densely hairy undersides. The flowers are produced in dense panicles every 3rd node, while the fruit is a small grape that is dark purple or black in color, measuring 5-14 mm in diameter. Summer grape prefers a drier upland habitat and is the official state grape of Missouri. The species has four varieties, including Vitis aestivalis var. aestivalis, Vitis aestivalis var. bicolor, Vitis aestivalis var. lincecumii, and Vitis aestivalis var. bourquiniana. While Summer Grape is a rare houseplant, it can be a fun challenge to grow. It requires regular watering and does best in long-lasting, direct light, less than one foot from a window. The plant prefers well-draining soil and should be repotted each time it doubles in size. It belongs to the Vitis genus and is native to Europe and Northern Africa.