Vitis flexuosa aka Creeping Grape

Vitis flexuosa is a deciduous climbing shrub in the grape family, Vitaceae. Its native range spans China, Japan, and parts of tropical Asia. Records also place it in Korea, Taiwan, and the Himalayas. It grows in hill and mountain woods in central and southern Japan. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This vine can reach about 26 feet [8 metres] tall. It climbs with tendrils and sheds its leaves each year. Its climbing form gives it value as an ornamental plant. Woodland edges and sites with dappled shade suit its garden use. Flowers appear from June to July, and insects pollinate them. Each flower has both male and female organs. The seeds ripen from September to October. The fruit grows in bunches, with each berry about 0.28 inches across.

Choose a deep, rich loam that holds moisture but drains well. The plant prefers soil with a moderate level of fertility. It also grows in sandy soil or clay. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline conditions. Chalky soil suits it well. It grows in full sun or partial shade. A warm, sunny site helps the fruit ripen. Although it accepts dry soil, moist ground is its stated preference. The source lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9. Prune during winter dormancy, since cuts at other times can bleed heavily.

The fruit can be eaten fresh or dried for winter. Young tendrils can be eaten raw or cooked. The sweet sap can also serve as a drink. Some forms have leaves used as food. Young leaves can wrap other foods before baking and add flavour. This leaf use does not establish equal eating quality across all forms. Plants For A Future gives its food value two out of five. It lists no known hazards, though this is not a full safety assessment.

Fresh or dried leaves also yield a yellow dye. Traditional uses include the fruit as a tonic. Reports also describe uses for the sap and root. These are records of use, not proof of medical benefit. Plants For A Future rates medicinal and other uses one out of five. Propagation is possible from seed or dormant wood cuttings. Fresh seed can go into a cold frame when ripe. Stored seed may benefit from six weeks of cold treatment. Germination can take an extra year.