Muscadine is one of at least three conspicuous grape species found at the Arboretum. The large twisted vines and distinctive leaves of the Muscadine grape are commonly seen along many of the Arboretum's trails. Muscadine grapes flower in June and produce their tasty fruits in September and October (below left photo.) At this time of year, one can see the ripening deep purple to bronze fruit on vines which have climbed small trees or shrubs. The larger vines produce their fruit in the upper forest canopy making them more difficult to see. The fruity odor of the grapes often provides a clue to their presence in the canopy. Plants with a bronze or golden green fruit are commonly called scuppernongs. Muscadine is used in home-made wines and jellies and is an important wildlife food.

Both Fox grapes and summer grapes are also found along our trails. Fox grapes (above center photo) produce many smaller grapes in elongate bunches. This species has been hybridized with European grapes to provide resistance to a disease introduced from North America that devastated Europe's vineyards in the 1860's. Summer grapes (above right photo) have distinctive lobed leaves. These and the other grape species are a food source for birds and other wildlife.

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