Vitis riparia

Common Names

Riverbank Grape, Frost Grape, Wild Grape

Summary

Riverbank Grape is a vigorous, deciduous climbing vine native to much of the U.S. and lower Canadian provinces, reaching up to about 50 ft with tendrils for climbing. Leaves are heart-shaped or sometimes three-lobed with coarse teeth and a pale underside; flowers are fragrant yellow-green in panicles, and fruit are bluish-black berries in drooping clusters, about 1/4 to 3/8 inch across, tart to sweet-tart after frost, with 1 to 4 seeds per berry.

It prefers full sun, tolerates light shade, and grows in moist to well-drained soils including loam, sand, and clay; propagation is by cuttings or layering; hardy to USDA zones 3a to 9b; requires sturdy trellising and regular winter pruning to manage vigor; commonly used for jellies and wine and provides wildlife value, with fruit eaten by birds and mammals; drought-tolerant after establishment.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

75 feet

Spread

30-75 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Loam, deep, rich, moist, well-drained soil; calcareous soil is best.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

No single ideal, tolerates a broad pH range (5.5–7.5)

Bloom Color

Greenish-yellow

Bloom Time

Spring (May–June)

Foliage Color

Green with yellowish-green tones and pale green underside; new leaves yellowish

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

15-20 feet per season

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds