Vitis monticola aka Mountain Grape

Vitis monticola, the sweet mountain grape, belongs to the grape family, Vitaceae. It is native to southwestern Texas in the United States. Kew lists it as a climbing shrub from dry shrubland or desert regions. Plants For A Future also records it in rich, damp woodland. Its listed habitats include stream bottoms and areas with limestone. These records cover both dry landscapes and damp growing sites.

This deciduous vine climbs with tendrils and reaches about 33 feet [10 metres]. It can grow through trees, with elm named as a suitable support. Its climbing form suits woodland edges and sites with dappled shade. The species flowers from June to July. Each flower has both male and female organs, and insects provide pollination. Seeds ripen from September to October. The fruits hang in bunches and measure about half an inch across. Reports differ on fruit size, but both describe sweet flesh. One account also notes thin skins and tender, juicy pulp.

For cultivation, choose deep, rich loam that drains well. The plant prefers moderate soil fertility and grows best in calcareous soil. It also accepts sandy soils and clay, provided drainage is good. Its stated pH range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. It can grow in sun or partial shade. A warm, sunny site helps the fruit ripen. Plants For A Future lists tolerance of dry or moist soil. It gives USDA hardiness zones 5–9 and UK zone 6. Prune in winter while the plant is dormant. Cuts made at other times can lose much sap.

The fruit can be eaten fresh or dried for winter use. Cooked leaves are edible, too. Young leaves can wrap other foods before baking and add flavour. Young tendrils can be eaten raw or cooked. Fresh or dried leaves also yield a yellow dye. Plants For A Future reports no known medicinal uses or hazards. This does not establish safety for pets or every possible use.

Seed and woody cuttings offer ways to raise new plants. Sow fresh seed in a cold frame once ripe. Six weeks of cold treatment can improve germination. Some seeds sprout the first spring; others take another year. Keep seedlings in a cold frame through their first winter. Plant them out in early summer. Mature wood from the current season can provide winter cuttings.