Family: Vitaceae

Vitis vinifera (grape, common grapevine) is a woody, deciduous vine native to the Mediterranean region, Central Europe, and southwestern Asia, from Morocco and Portugal, southern Germany and northern Iran. This versatile plant is primarily cultivated for its fruits, which are used in winemaking. Beyond being a crucial element in the wine industry, this plant is also cultivated for table grapes and raisins, underscoring its significance in agriculture. While it can be grown ornamentally for its attractive vines, its primary economic impact is in viticulture. It has been naturalized in several locations worldwide, and possibly naturalized, on Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island and Maui.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in several locations worldwide; adventive, and possibly naturalized, on Kauai and Hawaii islands
  
• Often described as weedy and potentially invasive in a number of locations, but these plants may actually be hybrids with wild grapes rather than cultivars used for fruit and wine production
  
• Other Vitis species are invasive
  
• Affected by a number of pests and pathogens that could impact commercially or environmentally important plants
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Climbing and smothering growth habit
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by layering
  
• Hybridizes with other Vitis species
  
• Self-fertile
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, other frugivorous animals, and intentionally by people

Low Risk Traits:

• Cultivated grapes may be less weedy or aggressive than wild grapes or hybrids
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Palatable to browsing animals
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Seed set in cultivated grapes may be low, limiting ability for accidental or longer distance dispersal
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control if removal is required