Flora of Pennsylvania

Vitis riparia

Vitis riparia river grape

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA Add to MyPlants View Locations

River grape grows along streams as well as other habitats.  Its lustrous green, highly-toothed leaves and tendrils make it different from other grapes (species in the same genus).

Frequently found on river/stream banks and alluvial thickets.

Present throughout the state.

Wetland codes
EMP: FACW
NCNE: FAC



Flowers either late spring or early summer.

Leaves  cordate-ovate with a prolonged apex and 2 forward-pointing lateral lobes, hairy beneath when young.

Fruit  blue-black, glossy, acidic

Stems with tendrils or inflorescences lacking at every 3rd node

S-rank:  S5 (Secure)
G-rank:  G5 (Secure)

Randy_H (Guest)

Posted on 25 May 2025

Can a river grape be found growing wild behind a garage in rocky clay soil? Also of note, the garage is in town, facing a paved street, on the top of a hill. None of these factors would seem to lend the environment a good one for a river grape. 

 Posted By Admin: @Randy_H It is possible, the river grape is highly adaptable plant. Also, perhaps your grape is another grape? they are not always easy to tell apart
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Vitis riparia river grape

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA
Add to MyPlants View Locations
Vitis riparia gallery
Plant Life-Form
woody vine
Common Names
river grape frost grape riverbank grape