Frontenac Grape vs Mountain Huckleberry - TreeTime.ca

Frontenac Grape vs Mountain Huckleberry

Vaccinium membranaceum

Vitis x Frontenac

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Mountain Huckleberry
Frontenac Grape

Mountain Huckleberry is a small shrub known for its tart to sweet berries. The berries range from purple-black to red-black, and can be eaten fresh or used in jams and syrups. It is a plant native to Alberta and the berries are frequently enjoyed by both people and wildlife.

In traditional Indigenous fire management practices, berry patches were burned after harvest. This would reduce the invasion of other plants allowing the Mountain Huckleberry to thrive. Its foliage has low flammability and can survive low severity fires, and even if destroyed they regrow from the roots.

Note: Mountain Huckleberry requires specific soil conditions. They need moist, well-drained, acidic soil with a pH around 5.5.

Frontenac Grape is a prairie hardy climbing vine that produces juicy, flavorful grapes. Expect aromas of cherry, plum, and berry from the wine and juice you make from this grape.

Note: if you want grapes for fresh eating, you might want to look at Brianna or Valiant Grape.

This vine requires a fence or trellis to encourage upward and outward growth. Consistent pruning and maintenance is necessary to reliably produce fruit, which usually occurs between 3 and 4 years of age.

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

Mountain Huckleberry Quick Facts

Frontenac Grape Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: none


Fruit: purple-blue
Berries: dark purple
Flavor: sweet, acidic
Harvest: mid to late summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, ON, YT, NT
Other Names: big huckleberry, black huckleberry, tall bilberry, thinleaf huckleberry