Common Grape Vine, Wine Grape
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Vitales, Family: Vitaceae, Genus: Vitis, Species: Vitis vinifera · Vitaceae (Grape family) · Simple, Deciduous
Species
Vitis vinifera
Leaf Type
Simple, Deciduous
Family
Vitaceae (Grape family)
Shape
Palmately lobed (typically 3 to 5 lobes) with a cordate (heart-shaped) base
Size
Approximately 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) in width; the specimen shown appears to be a healthy mature leaf within the standard size range.
Margin
Serrate or dentate with coarse, irregular teeth along the edges of the lobes
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Very Common; widely cultivated globally for agriculture and ornamental use.
Color & Pattern
Bright vibrant green on the upper surface; no variegation; slightly paler green underneath. Transition to yellow or burgundy in autumn depending on the cultivar.
Venation Pattern
Palmate venation, with five primary veins radiating from the petiole attachment point (the sinus).
Texture & Surface
Slightly rugose (wrinkled) and leathery; the upper surface is mostly smooth (glabrous) while the underside may have fine, cobwebby hairs (arachnoid pubescence).
Description
A vigorous perennial climbing vine that uses branched tendrils to scale structures. It features flaky, shredded bark on older wood and produces clusters of small, fragrant green flowers that develop into edible berries (grapes).
Key Features
Palmately lobed leaves with a circular 'U' or 'V' shaped sinus at the base; presence of coiled tendrils opposite the leaves; clusters of developing green fruit (infructescences).
Habitat
Thrives in well-drained, sunny locations including hillsides, riverbanks, and cultivated vineyards. Requires a temperate climate with long summers.
Geographic Range
Native to the Mediterranean region, Central Europe, and southwestern Asia; now cultivated on every continent except Antarctica.
Condition Notes
The leaf appears in excellent health with good turgor; water droplets suggest recent rain. No visible signs of Downy Mildew or Black Rot which are common in this species.
Interesting Facts
Vitis vinifera is responsible for nearly all high-quality wine production worldwide. Some vines can live for over 100 years, and their roots can penetrate more than 15 feet into the soil.
Medicinal & Uses
Extremely high economic value for wine, juice, and dried fruit (raisins). Leaves are used in Mediterranean cooking (Dolmas). Grape seeds provide oils and antioxidants.
Ecological Role
Provides high-energy food for birds and mammals through its fruit. Provides cover for nesting birds. Larval host for several hawk moth species.
Similar Species
Vitis labrusca (Fox Grape) has felt-like leaf undersides; Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia Creeper) has palmately compound leaves with five distinct leaflets.
Foraging Tips
Look for vines climbing fences or trees in sunny margins. Ensure the fruit grows in characteristic drooping clusters. Avoid foraging near roadsides where chemical sprays are used.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans; however, the fruit (grapes) is highly toxic/lethal to dogs and some other pets causing acute kidney failure.