Vitis labruscana
Family: Vitaceae
What it is like
Vitis labruscana is a deciduous Climber growing to 15 m (49ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 15
Where it is found
Not known in the wild.
A hybrid of garden origin, V. labrusca x V. vinifera.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Fruit - raw or dried for winter use. A 'foxy' flavour that is not normally relished in Europe. However, the fruit is larger and less 'foxy' than V. labrusca. The fruit is about 25mm in diameter and is carried in fairly large bunches. The fruit is commonly used for making wine in N. America. Young leaves are wrapped around other foods and then baked, they impart a pleasant flavour. Young tendrils - raw or cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 1
A yellow dye is obtained from the fresh or dried leaves. Greenish-blue and dark blue dyes can be obtained from the fruit skins of the cultivar 'Concord'.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
How it is grown
Prefers a deep rich moist well-drained moderately fertile loam. Grows best in a calcareous soil. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though a warm sunny position is required for the fruit to ripen. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Cultivated for its edible fruits, used mainly for making wine, in Eastern N. America. There are many named varieties. Plants climb by means of tendrils. Any pruning should be carried out in winter when the plants are dormant otherwise they bleed profusely. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Six weeks cold stratification improves the germination rate, and so stored seed is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is obtained. Germination should take place in the first spring, but sometimes takes another 12 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in early summer. This is a hybrid species and so seed is unlikely to breed true. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, December/January in a frame. These cuttings can be of wood 15 - 30cm long or they can be of short sections of the stem about 5cm long with just one bud at the top of the section. In this case a thin, narrow strip of the bark about 3cm long is removed from the bottom half of the side of the stem. This will encourage callusing and the formation of roots. Due to the size of these cuttings they need to be kept in a more protected environment than the longer cuttings. Layering.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Climber
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist