Cynthiana grape (Vitis aestivalis, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 230 (1803))

Family: Vitaceae

Author: Michx.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 230 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Vitis

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Cynthiana grape, scientifically known as Vitis aestivalis, is a noteworthy member of the Vitaceae family. This remarkable grape variety has etched its presence across a significant geographical range, extending from Southeastern Canada to the Central and Eastern regions of the United States.

First described by the botanist Michx in 1803, as noted in the “Flora Boreali-Americana,” the Cynthiana grape has since become an element of both wild and cultivated landscapes. This hardy grape species, which flourishes in various climatic conditions and soil types, is recognized for its robust vigor and exceptional adaptability. These attributes make it a highly valuable grape for viticulturists seeking resilient stock for winemaking or other purposes.

The Cynthiana grape is particularly prized for its dark, aromatic fruit, which holds a significant place in the production of several types of wine, including both high-quality reds and fortified wines. The wines produced from Cynthiana grapes are often characterized by their deep color, rich structure, and complex flavor profiles, often marked by notes of dark berries, spice, and earthy undertones. This distinctive flavor makes Cynthiana-based wines a sought-after commodity among connoisseurs and wine enthusiasts.

Moreover, beyond its enological significance, the Cynthiana grape’s natural habitat contributes to the ecological diversity of the regions it inhabits. The extensive range of this grape variety underscores its importance not just to agriculture, but to the ecological fabric of the areas where it thrives. The plant plays a role in supporting local wildlife and maintaining the health of the natural environment.

In conclusion, Vitis aestivalis, or the Cynthiana grape, stands as a robust and versatile plant with a rich historical context and a broad ecological footprint. Its contribution to both the natural world and the world of viticulture makes it a subject of continued interest and appreciation.

Common Names

Eng: arkansas grape, bunch grape, chicken grape, cynthiana grape, norton grape, pigeon grape, rusty grape, summer grape, swamp grape, small grape
Deu: sommerrebe
Swe: sommarvin
Spa: uva trepadora
Fra: vigne d’été
En: Cynthiana grape, Bunch grape, Pigeon grape, Chicken grape, Rusty grape, Arkansas grape, Summer grape, Norton grape, Swamp grape, Small grape
Fr: Vigne d’été
De: Sommerrebe
Es: Uva trepadora
Sv: Sommarvin

Synonyms

• Vitis glareosa (Raf.)
• Vitis smalliana (L.H.Bailey)
• Vitis intermedia (Muhl.)
• Vitis labrusca var. aestivalis ((Michx.) Regel)
• Vitis linsecomii var. glauca (Munson)
• Vitis linsecomii var. lactea (Small)
• Vitis vinifera var. americana (Kuntze)
• Vitis multiloba (Raf.)
• Vitis vinifera var. aestivalis ((Michx.) Kuntze)
• Vitis saxatilis (Raf.)
• Vitis bourquiniana ((L.H.Bailey) Munson ex G.Nicholson)
• Vitis argentifolia (Munson ex House)
• Vitis linsecomii (Buckley)
• Vitis ursina (Raf.)
• Vitis aestivalis var. linsecomii ((Buckley) Munson ex L.H.Bailey)
• Vitis fulva (Raf.)
• Vitis sinuata ((Pursh) G.Don)
• Vitis bicolor (Raf.)
• Vitis americana (W.Bartram)
• Vitis lecontiana (House)
• Vitis vinifera var. multiloba ((Raf.) Kuntze)
• Vitis bifida (Raf.)
• Vitis labrusca f. aestivalis ((Michx.) Regel)
• Vitis aestivalis var. bicolor (Deam)
• Vitis aestivalis var. bourquiniana (L.H.Bailey)
• Vitis aestivalis var. argentifolia ((Munson ex House) Fernald)
• Vitis serotina (Raf.)
• Vitis aestivalis var. glauca ((Munson) L.H.Bailey)
• Vitis aestivalis var. sinuata (Pursh)
• Vitis aestivalis var. smalliana ((L.H.Bailey) Comeaux)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Hungary (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 23, 2020 by kristen beran (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2021 by Olivier Legrade (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2020 by Danielle Van Patten (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2019 by Ryan Q (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2020 by Danielle Van Patten (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2022 by Evan Prodromou (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 6, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2013 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Sabrina Turmel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2006 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 4, 2021 by Cody clowes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2022 by Evan Prodromou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Sabrina Turmel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by Dev C (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2022 by Green Witch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2019 by Lisa J (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2019 by Marcie Dimenstein (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 4, 2019 by Carlos Juan Carlos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2022 by anne marie molinie (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2019 by Philippe Fougnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Shikandar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2019 by Rico Rico Bico (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5372400)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:309286-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vitis aestivalis Michx.)

Specifications

Growth form: Multiple Stem

Growth habit: Vine

Growth rate: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 5.3