Arkansas Grape

Vitis aestivalis belongs to the Vitaceae family and is part of the Vitis genus. It is widely distributed across North America, with occurrences in states such as Arkansas, Alabama, and Florida, as well as in Ontario and other regions. The plant is characterized by its variable leaf morphology, with some leaves unlobed and others deeply lobed. The fruit, though small, is notable for its dark coloration. The species was first described in 1803 by Michx. and is commonly referred to as the summer grape or pigeon grape. Its adaptability to drier environments makes it distinct from other grape species that prefer wetter conditions.