Wild grape experiment

[willowhomestead]

We found what I can only describe as a jungle mass of wild grape vine. It may have been planted from a previous owner but it is in a strange spot so we are unsure. We took some cuttings and are hopeful. We will have to see what kind it is but the vines were so prolific we might use it as rootstock for less cold hardy vines. Wish us luck! Any advice from those who have tried this before is appreciated. We are in Massachusetts.

 

[BigDaveK]

Lucky you! Last year was my first wild grape harvest...and wine!

I strongly suggest you try to identify the leaves online since there are quite a few copycats. The Canada moonseed, for one, is actually poisonous. I found some of that on the property as well.

 

[willowhomestead]

Lucky you! Last year was my first wild grape harvest...and wine!

I strongly suggest you try to identify the leaves online since there are quite a few copycats. The Canada moonseed, for one, is actually poisonous. I found some of that on the property as well.

Thank you!!!

 

[ChuckD]

I strongly suggest you try to identify the leaves online since there are quite a few copycats.

Once you see them they are easily identified. And the berries look nothing alike.

I’m hoping for a good wild grape crop this year. Lots of berries are set but disease seems to take a lot of them.

 

[BigDaveK]

Once you see them they are easily identified. And the berries look nothing alike.

Well.....
I have moonseed growing next to the wild grapes in a couple spots. I have to watch what I pick. Leaf shape tells a lot.

 

[ChuckD]

Well.....
I have moonseed growing next to the wild grapes in a couple spots. I have to watch what I pick. Leaf shape tells a lot.

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As a fan of foraging native foods, I look at the two plants and don’t see much resemblance. More so when you have them in-hand. But point taken.

With foraging you need to look at the whole plant. I have found the biggest problem is people trying to “force” a plant into an ID because they want it to be.

 

[BigDaveK]

As a fan of foraging native foods, I look at the two plants and don’t see much resemblance. More so when you have them in-hand. But point taken.

With foraging you need to look at the whole plant. I have found the biggest problem is people trying to “force” a plant into an ID because they want it to be.

Yeah, I agree. And it seems once you positively identify a plant it's difficult to un-learn.

 

[Snafflebit]

Like I can spot poison ivy 50 feet away and I start tingling at 100 ft!