PlantsFruits & Berries
Riverbank Grape
Vitis riparia
Chicago-region native. Suited to zone 6a.
Edible native grape for a dedicated trellis
ModerateFruits & BerriesAlso Shrubs & VinesEdible
- Light
- Full sun
- Moisture
- Medium–moist
- Mature size
- 10–30 ft vine
- Spacing
- Dedicated trellis
- Bloom or harvest
- Flowers May–Jun; fruit Aug–Sep
- How it spreads
- Very vigorous vine
- What to buy
- Plug or container plant; provide the support and mature-space requirement before planting.
- When to plant
- Apr–May; late Aug–Sep, finishing about six weeks before the first frost.
In the design
Requires annual pruning and a strong trellis.
If you eat it
Ripe grapes, juice, or jelly
Do not allow it to climb young trees or structures
Only eat what you planted and can name. This is not a foraging or medical guide.
