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. Growth characteristics: 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. 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. Edible grapes –juice, jelly. Sensible substitute for: non-native woody vines, including Ivies. Attracts: many types of birds including robins, Mockingbirds, Cedar Waxwings. Requirements: Element Requirement Sun Will grow in sun or partial shade. Full sun needed for good fruit ripening Soil Not particular, but prefers a well-drained soil Water Needs some summer water for good fruit Fertilizer Ok with none – but better fruit if add manure to soil Other 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 1/29/17

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Vitis girdiana Desert (Southern California) wild grape