EXPLORING NATURE: MUSTANG GRAPES

There is a long stretch of wild grapes growing alongside a rural road leading to my house.

These grapes are commonly called mustang grapes, or to be scientific about it, vitis mustangensis grapes. This is a variety native to the southern U.S. and is found in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

Mustang grape plants have leaves which are green on top and white or gray on the underside. The fruit is first green, but ripens to a deep purple. The grapes have an acidic tartness and can be unpleasant when eaten raw. Like persimmons, they often taste better after the first frost.