American Bittersweet vs Amur Grape - TreeTime.ca

American Bittersweet vs Amur Grape

Vitis amurensis

Celastrus scandens

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Amur Grape
American Bittersweet

The Amur Grape is an ornamental grape that fruits dark, sour, juicy grapes later in the fall. It is native to Asia, and found growing wild in Russia and China. It’s one of the most cold-hardy grape varieties, prized for its foliage that turns from a bright green to a deep crimson and purple in the fall. The flowers are small and white, usually appearing in the beginning of May.

The name for the Amur Grape comes from the Amur Valley, located in Russia. It’s extremely resistant to frost. The berries are good for fresh eating, but also make a flavorful addition to any homemade wines and preserves. The leaves are also edible, and are commonly used in salads. 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.

American Bittersweet is a deciduous, woody, perennial vine with striking orange to yellow berries that persist into winter. Indigenous to North America, this vine has become so rare it is now considered a protected species.

Excellent for naturalization projects, American Bittersweet attracts birds and other wildlife. Please keep in mind that the plant is toxic to humans and should not be ingested. To ensure the attractive berries are produced, cross-pollination between a male and female plant must occur.

Amur Grape Quick Facts

American Bittersweet Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 5 m (18 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: dark purple black blue
Berries: red-orange, toxic to mammals
Firmness: firm
Flavor: sour juicy
Harvest: late september
Flowers: small white clusters
Bark: dark scaly
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium




Toxicity: All parts of plant are toxic to humans