1. * California Wild Grape – Vitis californica
(VEE-tiss kal-ih-FOR-nik-uh)
Family: Vitaceae (Grape Family)
Foothills from San Luis Obispo Co. to southern OR; Stream banks, springs & moist
canyons below 4000 ft. Important vine in riparian woodland.
Native to:
woody perennial vine
mature length: 25-40+ ft.
Winter-deciduous woody vine that climbs up/over vegetation or sprawls on the ground as a ground
cover. Leaves are smaller & more rounded that those of commercial/table grapes. Attaches via
tendrils. New foliage light green. Mature leaves are dark green aging to red or yellow in fall.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms are small and insignificant in spring (May-July). Edible grapes ripen to
purple in fall. Grapes are small (like wild Concord-type grapes) and have a large seed. They are
sweet and edible fresh or made into jelly, pies, etc. Birds also love the fruit!! You can also use the
young grape leaves for making Greek stuffed grape leaves.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most useful as a climber on arbors and over pergolas.
Nice touch for the
Mediterranean-style garden.
Can also be used as a ground cover, particularly on slopes. Great
covering for chain link fence, on trellises. ‘Roger’s Red’ cultivar as brilliant red fall foliage.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native vines.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover and fruits, particularly for songbirds, Mockingbird.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Best growth in full sun; will tolerate some shade.
Any – sandy to clay; any pH
Needs good winter water; happy with Zone 2-3 (water every 2 weeks or so) in
summer. Requires less water than you’d think.
Organic mulch recommended.
Vines can be pruned back in winter when dormant (as for any grape). Cutting back
will keep it from becoming too large. If training, start when young. Can be trained extensively.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: yes
by cuttings: easy; dormant stems 1-1 ½ ft long
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 5-9, 11, 13, 14, 21, 24, 25
* CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. county
2/21/11
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