Black Elderberry vs Riverbank Grape - TreeTime.ca

Black Elderberry vs Riverbank Grape

Vitis riparia

Sambucus canadensis

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Riverbank Grape
Black Elderberry

The Riverbank Grape, also known as the Frost Grape, or Wild Grape, is a cold-hardy variety that produces fragrant white flowers in the spring and then tart, purple grapes late in the summer.

The Riverbank Grape is a vigorous grower that attracts lots of wildlife, who enjoy the fruit and flowers. This plant is native to North America, and is also highly resistant to fungal diseases, making this a great addition to your city gardens. This plant does best with a trellis.

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

Black Elderberry is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. You can plant this shrub in moist areas and it will help stabilize your soil. You can also use it on rural properties anywhere you'd use a lilac.

Black Elderberries are considered to be partially self-pollinating. So while they will still produce some berries without cross-pollination, planting with another variety will increase yields. Consider planting with Ranch Elderberry or Bob Gordon Elderberry.

Warning: the seeds, stems, leaves, roots, and uncooked berries of the Black Elderberry are poisonous to humans when eaten in quantity. You should cook the berries to make them safe for human consumption.

Riverbank Grape Quick Facts

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Bark: yellow-red to brown
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Flowers: fragrant white
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Berries: purple
Berries: black
Firmness: firm
Flavor: tart
Harvest: late summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: MB, ON, QC, NB
Native to: AB, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: frost grape, wild grape
Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry