River Trail Stop 5

Of the many grape species on Cumberland Island, muscadine are the most common.

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Stop #5: Muscadine grapes (Vitus rotundifolia) The muscadine is a woody vine and can be found growing on top of the saw palmetto and other plants on the west side of the trail. It can also be seen hanging down from above. In late summer, look for the purple fruit of the muscadine grape. While there are several varieties of grape on Cumberland Island, muscadine is the most common. The vines seek the sunlight at the top of the forest canopy, often twining around the oak limbs and making the grapes hard to reach. Grapes ripen in July and August and were gathered for food and the vine tendrils were often nibbled as a refreshing snack. Raccoon and turkey are often seen munching on the purple fruit. People today use muscadine grapes in wines and jellies. The vines of muscadine were also used to make baskets.