Map Snapshot
3 Records
Status
There are several grape species native to Maryland. Many of these species are economically important because they are grown commercially, they are used as root stock for commercial grape production or they were used in breeding programs to improve domestic crops. They are also important as a food source and host plant for many native (and some non-native) species.
Description
Most grape species are woody vines with tendrils that twist around the branches and stems of other plants. Grapes can be difficult to identify from photographs. Photos of the leaves, the under-side of the leaf, and several nodes along a main stem will aid identification. In the field, it is important to note the distribution of tendrils and flower clusters; tendrils may occur at two consecutive nodes or several consecutive nodes (usually 5 or more). It can also help to note whether young vines are round (terete) or angled (rectangular in cross-section) and whether the nodes are glaucous.
Where To Find
Some grapes can be found in almost any terrestrial habitat in Maryland. They are particularly common at forest edges in disturbed areas along roads and fields.