Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia)

Vitis rotundifolia is known by the common names Muscadine, Scuppernong, Bullace, or Southern Fox Grape; Scuppernong is a variety of Muscadine. It’s common at the edge of woods or along trails that receive adequate sunlight. It occurs at Fort Yargo State Park in open areas facing east (segments 4, 13) and along the shore above the lake just south of the campground (segment 6) It also grows at our place. Vitis rotundifolia is dioecious; with male and female flowers occur on different plants. The only reference documentation of male and female flowers I could find was the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences site on Musadines.

I saw male plants in bloom for this first time this year. I’ve never seen female flowers although I’ve seen developing/developed grapes for several years. I’m going to have to mark some plants and come back at the right time next year.

Leaves just developing in the Spring

In the sun

In the shade

Developing flower buds. I’m assuming these are male flower buds

A male flower head in bloom.

Close up of an individual male flower

Grapes in mid July. The grapes occur singly, not in clusters like European grapes.

Vitis rotundifolia (Muscadine) is native to the southeastern United States.
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Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Vitis rotundifolia (Muscadine)
- University of North Carolina Herbarium: Vitis rotundifolia

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia)
- Natural and Naturalized Plants of the Carolinas and Georgia: Vitis rotundifolia (Scuppernong, Muscadine)
- University of Georgia: College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: Muscadines
- Wikipedia: Muscadine

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower – Wildflower Index