Valiant Grape vs Black Crowberry - TreeTime.ca

Valiant Grape vs Black Crowberry

Empetrum nigrum

Vitis x Valiant

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Crowberry
Valiant Grape

Black Crowberry is a native evergreen shrub that forms low, spreading mats. It has unique foliage that spiral around the stem, and small dark berries, giving it visual appeal. The berries are edible, but can be acidic, so are not generally eaten fresh. In colder climates they have a sweet, tart taste, and are dried, used in deserts, or for making jams or jellies.
It provides food for birds and mammals, while its flowers attract pollinators such as bees. Its ability to grow in harsh climates makes it an important species for ecological balance.
Black Crowberry has historical significance as it provided a vital food source for the indigenous cultures of the arctic regions. It is abundant in Scandinavia and is used to make liqueurs, wines, and juices. In Newfoundland and Labrador the berries are known locally as ‘blackberries’ and are used in jams, jellies and baked goods like buns and puddings.

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 Quick Facts

Valiant Grape Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2b
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 0.4 m (1.3 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
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: purplish-black, edible
Berries: bluish red
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