Riverbank Grape

Scientific name

Vitis riparia

Description

Riverbank Grape is a hardy, woody vine species that can grow up to 15 m if it has a tall structure to support it. This plant may also be know by the common names Wild Grape or Frost Grape. The main stem of this species is reddish brown and bark appears shedding. The leaves are large, dark to yellow green colored, alternately arranged, palmately lobed, and have coarsely toothed margins. The Riverbank Grape produces small, fragrant, white-green flowers that bloom along the vine between May and June. These flowers produce light green berries that appear in spike clusters, which ripen to become dark blue or purple. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, like bees and butterflies. The fruit is beneficial to wildlife species, like birds and small mammals. This plant can grow aggressively so should be planted where it has plenty of space to spread. Some shoreline landowners choose to plant this around rip rap/loose stone retaining walls for a more natural appearance. The root system is beneficial for quickly controlling erosion.

Planting conditions

Riverbank Grape grows best in normal to moist conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It prefers well-drained loam or sandy soil but is tolerant to a range of soil types. It is tolerant to periodically flooded areas and shade. This vine can be naturally found in moist, open forests and along river or lake shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Wet
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
• Plant type:
  • Vine
• Height:
  • 15 m
• Spread:
  • 10 m