Valiant Grape vs Black Crowberry - TreeTime.ca

Valiant Grape vs Black Crowberry

Vitis x Valiant

Empetrum nigrum

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Valiant Grape
Black Crowberry

Reported to be one of the hardiest of all grape varieties. This variety will produce bluish red clusters of grapes that are great for jellies and juice. Grapes have long been used to cover arbors and trellises.

This is a self-pollinating variety so only one plant is required to set fruit. Many like this variety for fresh eating as it is similar to concord grapes.

Grapes are a higher maintenance species requiring regular care and pruning. Unchecked and uncared for grapes can spread, be eaten by birds, and have lesser yields.

Applying a thick layer of mulch can help these vines overwinter better.

Note: We do not ship grape vines to BC due to regulatory restrictions from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Black Crowberry is a native evergreen shrub that forms low, spreading mats. It has unique foliage that spirals around the stem, and small dark berries, giving it visual appeal. The berries are edible, but can be acidic, so they are not generally eaten fresh. In colder climates, the berries develop a sweet-tart flavor and are often dried or used in desserts, jams, and jellies.

This hardy shrub provides food for birds and mammals, while its flowers attract pollinators such as bees. It also serves as a host plant for certain butterflies and moths. Together, these roles make it a key contributor to the health of tundra and boreal ecosystems.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the berries are known locally as ‘blackberries’ and are enjoyed in jams, jellies, and traditional baked goods such as buns and puddings. In Scandinavia, they continue to be used in liqueurs, wines, and juices.

Valiant Grape Quick Facts

Black Crowberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 0.4 m (1.3 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Growth form: low growing, matt-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low
Suckering: none


Foliage: evergreen needle-like leaves
Fall colour: yellow
Flowers: pink-red, very small
Bloom time: late spring to early summer
Berries: bluish red
Berries: purplish-black, edible
Flavor: bland, slightly bitter
Harvest: late summer to fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU
Other Names: crakeberry, curlewberry, heathberry, northern crowberry