Vitis aestivalis aka Summer Grape

Taxonomy

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.

Common names

Summer Grape, Pigeon Grape, Cynthiana Grape, Arkansas Grape, Norton Grape

How to care for Summer Grape

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Summer Grape, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Summer Grape should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Summer Grape loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Summer Grape prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Summer Grape plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Summer Grape has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Summer Grape’s native range is Southern and Eastern N. America - Ontario to Alabama. Locally naturalized in Europe[50].


More info:
Wikipedia