Vitis aestivalis

Vitis aestivalis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Vitales
Family: Vitaceae
Genus: Vitis
Species: V. aestivalis
Binomial name
Vitis aestivalis
Michx.

Vitis aestivalis, the summer grape,[1] or pigeon grape[2] is a species of grape native to eastern North America from southern Ontario east to Maine, west to Oklahoma, and south to Florida and Texas.[3][4] It is a vigorous vine, growing to 10 m or more high in trees. The leaves are 7–20 cm long, suborbicular, and usually a little broader than long; they are variable in shape, from unlobed to deeply three- or five-lobed, green above, and densely hairy below. The flowers are produced at every 3rd node[2] in a dense panicle 5–15 cm long. The fruit is a small grape 5–14 mm diameter, dark purple or black in color.[5] It is the official state grape of Missouri.[6] Summer grape prefers a drier upland habitat.[2]

The four varieties are:[3]

Cultivation and uses

Several cultivars have been selected, including 'Norton', a cultivar with a substantial V. aestivalis background, is believed to be the oldest American grape cultivar in commercial production.

Inter specific-hybrids made with the species V. aestivalis, such as Norton, have shown several useful traits for commercial wine production when compared other North American native grape varieties. These traits include: lower acidity, neutral, "vinifera-like" flavour profile, good tannin structure, and excellent disease resistance.

Unlike most other species in genus Vitis, V. aestivalis does not propagate well through dormant cuttings. This has been a limiting factor for its use in commercial viticulture despite the species' promising oenological characteristics. Propagation of V. aestivalis specimens must typically be made through layering or through green cuttings. The species typically does not tolerate highly calcareous soils.[7]

It has been claimed that a variety of V. aestivalis was cultivated by the Cherokees and used in some of their sacred rituals.[8]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Vitis aestivalis". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 Rhoads, Block. The Plants of Pennsylvania (2 ed.). ISBN 978-0-8122-4003-0.
  3. 1 2 Germplasm Resources Information Network: Vitis aestivalis
  4. ↑ Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
  5. ↑ Oklahoma University: Vitis aestivalis
  6. ↑ http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/chapters/chap010.htm
  7. ↑ Appellation America: Norton / Cynthiana
  8. ↑ Mooney, James (1992). History, Myths, and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees. Historical Images. ISBN 0-914875-19-1.
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