Pidgeon Grape Vitis aestivalis

Summer grape is a woody deciduous vine in the Vitaceae (grape) family that is typically found in upland woodlands, thickets, rocky slopes, and forests. Var. aestivalis and var. bi color can also be found in the same wooded regions. Its height and width depend on whether it has the support it needs.   Under the right conditions, the trunk can reach widths of up to 6".  It will climb adjacent fences and other vegetation using twining tendrils.  Older branches have a gray to reddish brown bark that peels into long shredded strips, while young branches are light green, yellow green or reddish green and are not woody.

Blooming takes place in late spring to early summer and only lasts for a very short period of time, usually a week.  The female flowers are then replaced by berries that form on 3-8" panicles.  Each berry is 1/4-1/2" across.  The juicy berries contain 2 to 4 small seeds.  Their taste can be sweet to tart.  Exposure to sun will lead to the plant producing berries.  Intolerant of shade, they will not produce berries.

Although growing at its best in soil that contains loam, it will grow in clay if proper drainage is provided.  

The seed is readily spread by both game birds and songbirds, who eat the berries.  They are also consumed by black bear, coyote, fox, squirrels, raccoons, opossum and skunk.  When the berries fall to the ground, they can be eaten by box turtle.  The tangle of vines also provides shelter and nesting spots for birds and small mammals.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Surrounding shrubs and small trees can be damaged or killed after being smothered by this plant.  Provide proper space for best results.

High maintenance can be an issue.  Pruning must be done to maintain the spread into unwanted areas.  It must be sprayed on a regular basis for diseases including black rot, downy mildew, powdery mildew, crown fall and botrytis bunch rot.  Insects that affect this plant are mealybugs, flea beetles, leaf roller, leaf hopper, Japanese beetle, and grape berry moth.