Plant · GBIF taxon 5372424
Fox Grape
Vitis labruscaAlso known as Northern Fox Grape, Skunk Grape
Fox grape is a vigorous, high-climbing woody vine native to eastern North America that ascends woodland canopies using coiling tendrils produced continuously opposite almost every leaf. Thick, woolly hairs blanket the undersides of its broad foliage, creating a felted texture that helps deter foliar pests and reduce moisture loss. In autumn, hanging clusters of dark purple-black fruit ripen along forest edges, providing an essential high-energy food source for migrating songbirds, black bears, and small mammals.
Woody VineDeciduousNative
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (photosynthesis)
Predators
- White-tailed Deer
- Japanese Beetle
- Grape Phylloxera
ThreatsInvasive climbing vines, habitat fragmentation, and non-selective herbicide use
HabitatsDeciduous forest edges, thickets, riverbanks, roadsides, and hedgerows
Life span30–100+ years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderVitales
- FamilyVitaceae
- GenusVitis
- SpeciesVitis labrusca
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone. Toxic to dogs.
- Why it is dangerous
- Grapes induce severe acute renal failure in dogs through an unknown nephrotoxic compound, leading to lethargy, vomiting, and kidney shutdown.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by woody climbing canes, felted woolly leaf undersides, and clusters of dark purple-black slip-skin berries.
- What to do
- Keep domestic pets restrained on trails near fruiting vines and never offer wild grapes to dogs.
Responsible observation
- Tendril Pattern: Check that climbing tendrils or flower stems appear opposite leaves at three or more consecutive cane nodes.
- Leaf Undersides: Look for a persistent, felt-like layer of tawny or whitish wool covering the lower surface of mature foliage.
- Pet Safety: Prevent dogs from foraging beneath fruiting vines, as grapes cause severe canine kidney failure.
Same Genus (c) miquelon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by miquelon · cc-by
Same Genus no rights reserved, uploaded by Reuven Martin · cc0
Look-alike (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Parasite (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Judy Gallagher · cc-by-sa
Same Family (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
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