1. California Desert Grape – Vitis girdiana
(VEE-tis gird-ee-AN-uh)
Family: Vitaceae (Grape Family)
Native to: Southwestern U.S. including S. CA and Baja CA. In canyon bottoms and along streams
below 4000 ft. elevation. In CA grows along coast and desert riparian areas.
woody perennial vine
mature height: vines to 45 ft. long
Deciduous woody vine that climbs using tendrils, often draping over trees in nature. Leaves turn
yellow in fall before they drop – quite showy.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms/fruits: Blooms May-July. Small, tangy purple grapes ripen in late summer/early fall. Edible
and good for jelly, syrups and even wine-making.
Uses in the garden: Can train like any grape to cover fences, arbors and trellises. Excellent for
providing summer shade. Nice, fragrant addition to an edibles garden. Vines and berries provide
shelter and food for many types of birds and small animals.
Provides Fall color (yellow leaves).
Vines can be used for wreath-making and other grafts using grapevines.
Sensible substitute for: non-native woody vines, including Ivies.
Attracts: many types of birds including robins, Mockingbirds, Cedar Waxwings.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Will grow in sun or partial shade. Full sun needed for good fruit ripening
Not particular, but prefers a well-drained soil
Needs some summer water for good fruit
Ok with none – but better fruit if add manure to soil
Management: Prune in winter to keep from getting out of hand. Pruning methods are the same as
for any type of grape.
Check the internet or any good garden book for tips on pruning grapes.
Propagation: from cuttings: easy to propagate from dormant cane cuttings in fall/winter.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 6, 10, 11, 13, 14, 20, 24, 28
12/16/10
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