Habitat and Range
The Wild Grape is a vine that grows in thick patches near creeks and in shady canyons. It mainly occurs below 5500 ft in all parts of the Sierra.
Physical Description
Growing as a vine, Wild Grape can reach almost 50 ft long. The vine climbs by grabbing support with its hairlike tendrils that extend opposite of the leaves. The leaves are cordate (heart-shaped) and broadly serrate. They sometimes show 3 distinct lobes more like commercial grapes. The panicle inflorescence of greenish yellow flowers can be 6 inches long. The spherical fruit is a berry, 6-20 mm in diameter, and purple when ripe.
Food Uses
The berry can be eaten raw when fully ripe but has seeds (2 mm in diameter) and tough skin. The unripe grapes (above) are edible but very sour. Ripe or unripe, they can be used to make jelly and have enough natural pectin to solidify on their own. Strain out the skins with a cheesecloth or gauze unless you prefer a chewy jam.
Medicinal Uses
None known at this time.
|
