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Frost Grape

Vitis vulpina

Last reviewed: August 2026

Frost Grape (Vitis vulpina)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Frost Grape (Vitis vulpina) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Frost Grape as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

120"–600" H × 120"–300" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 25 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

High PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsGreat PlainsCross TimbersTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Frost grape is a vigorous native climbing vine that can reach impressive sizes, scrambling over fences, arbors, or other support structures. It produces small clusters of dark purple grapes in late summer and displays attractive fall foliage colors.

In an HOA neighborhood

Frost Grape takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Extremely vigorous growth can appear uncontrolled
  • May overwhelm structures and look unkempt
  • Requires frequent pruning to maintain neat appearance

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies during summer blooming. Birds eagerly consume the small grapes, and the dense foliage provides nesting sites and cover.

Common questions

How much sun does Frost Grape need?
Frost Grape grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Frost Grape bloom?
Frost Grape blooms in June and July.
Where is Frost Grape native?
Frost Grape (Vitis vulpina) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 25 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Frost Grape toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Frost Grape as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Frost Grape attract?
Frost Grape draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is Frost Grape HOA-friendly?
Frost Grape takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Frost Grape? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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