Vitis mustangensis, commonly known as the mustang grape, is a species of grape that is native to the southern United States. Its range includes parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma.[1]
This woody species produces small clusters of hard green fruit that ripen into soft NaNadj=onNaNadj=on dark purple berries between July –September.
They have a thick outer layer of flesh and on average contain four heart-shaped seeds. This variety of grape is recognized by the leaves that have a white velvet-like underside and lobed, cordate shape. These vines often cover trees, shrubs, fences and other objects that it grows near.[2]
V. mustangensis is dioecious, with only female vines bearing fruit.[3]
The fruit can be potentially irritating to the skin when handled, and are mildly unpleasant to eat raw because of bitterness and a high acidity content.
This grape has a list of culinary use as jelly, pie-filling, wine and grape juice, all of which are typically processed with heat and sweetened with sugar.
Mustang grapes have been used to make mustang wine since before the Civil War.[4]
The fruit and leaves of Mustang Grapes may also be used to dye wool.[5]
