Davey Tree Flipbooks

18 GRAPEVINES (Vitis spp.) PLANT DESCRIPTION Grapevine, or wild grape, is a broadleaf perennial vine typically seen from summer to fall with distinct leaves and clusters of small grapes. Its yellow leaves can be easily noticed in the fall. Mature grapevines can be found growing on trees. Young plants can also be found in turf but rarely grow large in mowed areas. Grapevine is commonly found growing on fences and in wooded areas. LEAF: The leaves are somewhat heart shaped with three to five shallow pointed lobes and a coarse-toothed margin. STEM: Young stems are smooth and green with red tints. At the ends of new growth are Y-shaped stem appendages called tendrils. Tendrils help the vine climb and attach to other plants and fences. As the vine ages, the stems become woody with dark, peeling bark. FLOWER: Grapevine flowers are tiny and hard to notice. They are round and green with no visible petals, but they do produce slender white pollen heads. Flower clusters appear as unripe grape clusters. FRUIT/SEED: After fruit set, unripe green grapes ripen to dark purple with a light waxy coating that can be easily rubbed off. One seed or multiple seeds develop within each grape and are often distributed by birds and other wildlife. REPRODUCTION: Seeds are the primary means of reproduction. Seeds spread by being dropped around the parent plant, or are consumed and spread by animals and birds. WHY IT IS NOXIOUS: Grapevine is considered noxious in groups of 100 or more small vines or larger vines that have been left uncontrolled. It can form dense colonies and outcompete desirable vegetation or grow to the tops of trees or on signs and fences in areas that are not mowed. SEASONAL IDENTIFICATION WHEN TO FIND: Grapevine's distinct leaf shape makes it noticeable in the growing seasons. It is especially noticeable when the leaves are changing color from green to yellow in the fall. SPRING IDENTIFICATION = EASY Young grapevine can be identified by leaves and curly stem tendrils. The leaves have a large- toothed margin and appear shiny. SUMMER IDENTIFICATION = EASY Grapevine can grow in large masses and grow to the tops of trees to the extent that it overtakes other vegetation. White flower clusters produce green grapes that eventually turn dark purple with a lighter waxy coating. FALL IDENTIFICATION = EASY In the fall, grapevine is one of the last plants to drop its leaves. As the season progresses, leaves change from green to yellow. After leaves drop, the tangled vines become easily visible. WINTER IDENTIFICATION = EASY The woody vines of older grapevine colonies easily stand out in the winter landscape. Stems are dark brown with vertically-peeling bark and can be several inches in diameter. SIMILAR-LOOKING SPECIES KUDZU (Pueraria lobata) is a broadleaf vine but its leaves grow in groups of three with a maxium of three lobes. The leaves, stems, and fruit are all covered with coarse brown hairs. MOONSEED VINE (Menispermum canadense) leaves have a similar shape but have smooth margins. Its fruit is similar to grapevine but grows in clusters. This vine lacks tendrils. VIRGINIA CREEPER (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a broadleaf vine with brown bark, but its leaves grow as five leaflets that extend radially from the center point. Leaves turn crimson red in the fall. GRAPES (Vitis spp.) grown in vineyards on a trellis can look similar to grapevine growing on fences. The leaves are very similar but the fruit is usually larger. These plants are typically maintained. LOW HIGH ohio distribution roadside distribution growth seeds ability to dominate difficulty of control WHERE TO FIND: Grapevine is common in Ohio and can be easily found growing on fences and near woodlines with adequate sun exposure. Grapevine requires a sunny, dry site, but can often grow to the top of trees to get sunlight when the base of the vine is in shady areas. Grapevine seedlings can also be found in turf that is infrequently mowed. CONTROL METHODS: MECHANICAL: Cut older vines at the base or near the ground. Mowing will control seedlings in turf. CHEMICAL: Apply cut stem or basal bark herbicide application to older vines in fall or winter. Make directed foliar applications with non-selective or selective herbicide to low-growing grapevine colonies. CULTURAL: Grapevine does not tolerate shade, so maintain taller desired vegetation. RECOMMENDATION SUMMARY: Grapevine is capable of climbing to the tops of trees and creating additional branch load, thereby increasing risk for tree failure. For best control results, cut older vines near the base and apply herbicide to the cut stem. For younger, or low-growing patches and vines on fences and guardrails, make directed foliar applications with selective herbicide any time after full leaf expansion in spring until fall coloration. Grapevine is not difficult to control. Mowing young seedlings in turf provides good control. Older vines that have reached the tops of trees can be controlled if cut near the base. Since grapevine is not tolerant of shade, no herbicide is needed if the vine base is growing in a shaded area. Failure to control grapevine will allow wildlife to further distribute fruit and seeds to be further distributed throughout Ohio. perennial RIVM LEVEL OF CONCERN

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