Description of a Muscadine Vine

Description of Vine

• The muscadine grape is known for its vigorous growth habit. This woody vine can reach 100 feet long and 6 inches around. In the wild, these vines venture to the tops of tall trees, including pines and oaks. Their triangular, roughly heart-shaped leaves are slightly lobed and 2 1/2 to 5 inches wide. These leaves are deciduous, turning golden yellow in autumn before falling to the ground in winter. Muscadine vines bear male and female flowers on separate plants. These inconspicuous, green flowers appear in clusters that precede the fruit. Some self-fertilizing varieties bear male and female flowers on one vine. Both wind and insects pollinate muscadine flowers.

Description of Fruit

• The most idiosyncratic feature of the muscadine grapevine is its fruit. Muscadine grapes are large with thick, tough skin that is rarely eaten. The flesh of the fruit within is sweet, tangy and gelatinous. It emits a slightly musky aroma. Large seeds are found within all muscadine varieties, as a seedless cultivar has yet to be developed, as of the time of publication. Unlike Old World cousins that form tight bunches, muscadines grow in loose clusters of three to 40 grapes. The leathery skin ranges in color from a deep, almost black purple, to lighter shades of pink, bronze and green. The sugar content of muscadine grapes ranges from 16 to 25 percent. In the South, the fruit is used to create singular wines, jellies and jams.

Varieties

• Popular muscadine cultivars include Carlos, Doreen, Magnolia, Noble and Nesbitt. Carlos and Doreen, good for eating fresh or making wine, bear medium-sized bronze grapes. Carlos ripens midseason, while Doreen produces fruit later in the year. Magnolia, another midsized bronze muscadine, fruits early in the season and makes delicious juice. The Noble cultivar bears smaller, flavorful black grapes perfect for both juice and wine. Early in the year, Nesbitt bears large, black grapes that are ideal for eating fresh.

Growing Conditions

• Muscadines are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zones 6 to 10, a region encompassing most of the South. These vines are most productive and healthiest in full sun, although they can tolerate partial shade. A regular supply of water is essential to fruit production. Add a layer of pine mulch to aid in retaining soil moisture. Most soil types are acceptable, as long as there is sufficient drainage. These twining vines are ideal for growing on trellises, fences, gazebos or other structures.