Amur Grape vs Black Crowberry

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.

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.

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