Riverbank grape (Vitis riparia)

Riverbank grape

Also known as: Frost grape

The riverbank grape is a woody vine that can grow up to 15 m in length. It uses tendrils to climb trees, shrubs, and fences. Riverbank grape is native to North America and is found extensively throughout Canada, as well as the Northcentral and Northeastern United States.

Scientific classification

Species

Riverbank grape (Vitis riparia)

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Perennial

Lifespan

1 m

Spread

Green, Yellow, Gold

Leaf Color

Black, Blue, Green

Fruit Color

Green, White, Yellow, Gold

Flower Color

Green, Red, Yellow, Brown, Burgundy

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Images of Riverbank grape

Attributes of Riverbank grape

Growth Rate

During Spring and Summer, the moderate growth rate of riverbank grape manifests in gradual vine extension and leaf expansion. The food reserves accumulated in winter fuel foliage proliferation, contributing to its luxuriant green cover. The steady growth ensures the plant's resource allocation capacity isn't overwhelmed, ensuring floral bud formation for the subsequent season.

Distribution of Riverbank grape

Distribution Map

Riverbank grape is native to eastern and southern Asia and North America. The plant was introduced to several countries, including Russia, Spain, France and Italy. Riverbank grape naturally resides alongside rivers. It also grows in thickets and at forest edges.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Riverbanks, Bottomlands, Rich thickets and woodland margins

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Riverbank grape is an attractive vining plant that brings beauty to garden spaces and is a statement piece in cut flower arrangements. In the garden it grows on arbors, trellises and fencing for growth support. If this vine grows up into nearby tree or plant canopies, it will smother other plant life, so give it space and direction.

Symbolism

Fertility, Magic, Mental Powers

Interesting Facts

Riverbank grape is extremely freezing hardy and resistant to fungal diseases. For this reason, it is often used as rootstock for other species of grapes. It is also used in commercial breeding programs to create healthier, hardier species of grapes used to make wine.

Name Story

Riverbank grape: Riverbank grape is a translation of the scientific name, Vitis riparia in which riparia comes from rīpārius in latin, meaning "of riverbanks", deriving from rīpa meaning "riverbank".

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Toxicity

Riverbank grape poses moderate toxicity to cats and dogs when they ingest its fruits, causing symptoms like gastrointestinal upset and lethargy. Immediate veterinary care is crucial for effective treatment. Pet owners should monitor and prevent their pets from accessing riverbank grape, especially during the fruiting season.

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Quickly Identify Riverbank grape

Heart-shaped, 3-lobed leaves with red petioles.

Distinct male and female flowers on 3-8 inch panicles.

Clusters of bluish-black fruits with white bloom.

Woody stems with climbing tendrils and reddish-brown bark.

Robust trunk shedding bark in narrow strips.

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Care Guide for Riverbank grape

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Riverbank grape, native to riverbanks and floodplains, thrives in moist environments and prefers consistent moisture. It benefits from weekly watering and can adapt to varying rainfall patterns, making it resilient in temperate climates with seasonal precipitation changes.

Fertilize: To enhance growth and fruiting of riverbank grape, apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring: 1/2 lb for young vines and 1 lb for established. Consider reapplication midseason, but reduce fertilization post-veraison. Always water thoroughly afterward to aid nutrient uptake and prevent root burn.

Pruning: Pruning riverbank grape is essential for growth and disease prevention. Key practices include selective bud removal, flower spike thinning before blooming, and winter pruning to strengthen the trunk. Careful maintenance promotes fruiting and branch health, with protective agents applied to larger wounds. Disposed cuttings should be burned.

Propagation: Riverbank grape is usually propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings taken from healthy parent plants, each with at least two or three nodes. Applying rooting hormone and using a well-draining medium is essential, along with regular misting to maintain humidity for successful rooting.

Repotting: Repot riverbank grape in early spring, every 2-3 years, using a large container for support. Post-repotting, provide ample climbing support and consistent moisture. Use rich, well-draining soil for optimal growth. Remember to care for riverbank grape's robust nature with attention and love!

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Images of Riverbank grape

Attributes of Riverbank grape

Distribution of Riverbank grape

Culture

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Riverbank grape

Care Guide for Riverbank grape

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