This vine has been growing here for a long time. Its coloration matches that of the cedar and it seems to share the same lichens and mosses on its bark.
This is quite a thick base. People often cut grape vines from the woods to protect valuable timber. Vines in high numbers can be a problem, but a few scattered around have definite wildlife value and I believe add to the woodland aesthetics. It may look as though I’m trying to choke the life out of this vine, but it’s more like a hearty handshake and a wish that it continue its healthy growth.
The shaggy bark harbors a multitude of insects. I see lots of bird species working their way along the vines probing for insects. Back in the days when everyone was going to get rich selling grape vine wreaths, I would see people wrestling with vines like this in an effort to pull the vine from the tree. Aside from sweat and pulled muscles, all they ever accomplished was to shake a lot of this pretty bark loose.
Steve, are these woodland grape vines generally native?
ReplyDeleteJain - As far as I know, all the grapes you'll find in the woods are native. At Blue jay Barrens I have the Fox Grape and Frost Grape. There's probably a faint chance of finding a domesticated grape gone wild, but these normally only grow where planted by people. I do know that the Fox Grape is the source of the domesticated concord grape.
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