Hiking down the trail this summer, you may come across a curious sight: what appears to be a bunch of red grapes just hanging off a tree or fence post. And you’d be correct! Fort Worth is home to our very own native grape, Vitis mustangensis, the Mustang grape. This species can often be seen scaling to great heights in the treetops, leaving behind woody vines thicker than a person’s arm. These vines help create the jungle-like atmosphere we’ve begun to associate with the lowland forests of the Trinity River.
The Mustang grape’s leaves bear that classic grape-leaf shape many of us are familiar with and generally possess five lobes (the leaves from mature vines are less lobed, while newer shoots are deeply lobed). On top, they are bright green, while the underside is light gray and fuzzy, a feature that distinguishes them from other grape species. The grapes produced by this vine are red when ripe and somewhat larger than a typical store-bought grape. They are very acidic. Pick too many, and your fingers will be itching! Many people sweeten them by turning them into jams, jellies, or even wine. Upon closer inspection, they tend to grow in loosely arranged bunches, also unlike the large, clumpy bunches of the grapes we are used to seeing.
Although it appears to spread rapidly, this plant is a crucial habitat component for the Refuge, providing a much-needed food source for wildlife (such as deer, opossums, raccoons, and birds) during the hot summer months when these grapes ripen. Many animal droppings contain grape seeds, evidence of foraging and now dispersed and ready to start a whole new generation of fast-growing vines! The leafy shoots also provide a shady shelter for numerous insects and birds.
Be on the lookout for this beautiful climber the next time you’re here at the Nature Center, although it’ll be hard to miss!
