Grape (wild or cultivated)
Vitis spp. · riverbank grape reference: Vitis riparia
A woody climbing vine with tendrils, toothed leaves and hanging grape clusters. Riverbank grape is a local wild reference; garden grapes include other species and hybrids. Identified ripe fruit is used fresh or in preserves.
Native range
Vitis riparia: North America. Cultivated grapes have varied European, Asian and North American ancestry.
Typical season
Late summer and autumn reference. Wild and cultivated vines differ; a first frost is not proof of identity or food safety.
Identification
Photograph tendrils, leaf edges, fruit and seeds together. Poisonous Canadian moonseed (Menispermum canadense) can resemble grapes; it climbs by twining and has a crescent-shaped seed. Virginia creeper also has dark fruit. Never use berry colour or an illustration alone to identify a vine.