Muscadine grape Vitis rotundifolia
Muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Vitaceae family, native to Southeastern United States. It grows 5–9 m (16–30 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -13 °C (9 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
Plan Muscadine grape in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Muscadine grape at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Vitaceae |
| Mature height | 5–9 m (16–30 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -13 °C (9 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: fruit |
| Native to | Southeastern United States |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Muscadine grape toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: fruit, raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs and are reported harmful to cats.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Muscadine grape
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- avoid With Black walnut: Grape (Vitis) is on extension juglone-sensitive lists; the muscadine is in a related group and is expected to be affected, though evidence is limited. Evidence C
Questions about Muscadine grape
- How far apart should I plant Muscadine grape?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Muscadine grape need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Muscadine grape need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Muscadine grape?
- It tolerates about -13 °C (9 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Muscadine grape flower?
- From about June for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Muscadine grape poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs and are reported harmful to cats.
- What grows well with Muscadine grape?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Muscadine grape. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Heat-loving and resistant to Pierce disease, so it suits the Southeast where bunch grapes fail; many cultivars are female and need a self-fertile or male pollinator; chill is low (roughly 100-500 hours, estimate).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Grapevine Vitis vinifera
- Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia
- Boston ivy Parthenocissus tricuspidata
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.