Muscadine
Vitis rotundifolia
Also listed as Muscadinia rotundifolia
Also known as Muscadine Grape, Scuppernong, Southern Fox Grape
Climate Match for your location
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A vigorous native vine producing clusters of small, dark purple to black grapes with a musky-sweet flavor, ideal for eating fresh or making wine. Requires sturdy support and prefers warm, sunny locations.
Why grow it
Muscadine offers several advantages over European grape varieties (Vitis vinifera) in warm, humid southeastern climates where those species struggle with disease pressure. The vine's native vigor and disease resistance reduce maintenance compared to conventional wine grapes, while its ability to thrive in poor soils makes it suitable for marginal growing areas. The fruit's distinctive musky flavor profile is distinct enough that growers often cultivate it specifically for that character rather than as a generic table grape substitute.
Watch out for
Fruit quality and yield vary considerably among wild seedlings and older cultivars, so selecting improved named varieties yields more consistent results. These vines can take 2-3 years to establish substantial production, and inconsistent watering during fruit development may reduce both yield and flavor concentration. The thick skin, while valuable for storage and processing, requires adjustment for those accustomed to seedless table grapes.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Vitaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southeastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A vigorous native vine producing clusters of small, dark purple to black grapes with a musky-sweet flavor, ideal for eating fresh or making wine. Requires sturdy support and prefers warm, sunny locations.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Muscadine grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Muscadine offers several advantages over European grape varieties (Vitis vinifera) in warm, humid southeastern climates where those species struggle with disease pressure. The vine's native vigor and disease resistance reduce maintenance compared to conventional wine grapes, while its ability to thrive in poor soils makes it suitable for marginal growing areas. The fruit's distinctive musky flavor profile is distinct enough that growers often cultivate it specifically for that character rather than as a generic table grape substitute.
Watch out for
Fruit quality and yield vary considerably among wild seedlings and older cultivars, so selecting improved named varieties yields more consistent results. These vines can take 2-3 years to establish substantial production, and inconsistent watering during fruit development may reduce both yield and flavor concentration. The thick skin, while valuable for storage and processing, requires adjustment for those accustomed to seedless table grapes.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Vitaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southeastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar climbers you might consider:
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