Carried by 50 nurseries
View Availability at NurseryData provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria
View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora
California grape (Vitis californica) is a vigorous, deciduous vine that can be trained to cover an arbor or fence or serve as a groundcover if left unsupported. Its edible purple fruit ripens in late summer (though it is toxic to dogs), and its large leaves turn brilliant shades of orange and yellow in fall.
This fast-growing plant thrives with water but is highly drought-adapted once established. While it can tolerate heavy irrigation, excessive growth may require regular pruning to keep it in check.
California grape provides excellent cover for wildlife. Birds and other animals rely on its fruit, bees are drawn to its flowers, and it is one of the best plants for supporting butterflies in the fall.
Shrub, Vine
10 - 40 ft Tall
1 - 2 ft Wide
Upright Columnar
Fast
Winter Deciduous
None, Slight
Yellow, Green, Cream
Spring
Groundcover
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Very Low, Low, Moderate
Max 1x / week once established
Easy
Tolerates cold to 20 - 25° F
Fast, Medium, Slow, Standing
Heavier soils.
Soil PH: 5 - 8
Can handle hard pruning. This plant is very aggressive and may require regular pruning to keep under control. It can also be trained and woven into a variety of shapes and purposes.
4, 5, 6*, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*
Usually found in wetland-riparian areas, such as streamsides, springs and seep. Often adjacent to forest or woodland habitat, such as evergreen forest or foothill woodland
Foothill Woodland, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Northern Oak Woodland, Wetland-Riparian
Western Sycamore (Platanus racemosa), Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), Coast Live Oaks
Butterflies and moths supported
0 confirmed and 41 likely
Climbing Cutworm
Abagrotis orbis
Reed's Dart Moth
Abagrotis reedi
Luteus Dart Moth
Abagrotis trigona