Vitis californica grows throughout much of California
below 5500 feet elevation. The California Wild Grape often grows
near river banks and in areas that are seasonally moist. Vitis
californica can grow 30 feet or more, rambling over nearby plants or
whatever else a wild grape might climb. Vitis californica is often
used as a rootstock for wine grapes. The California Wild Grape
blooms in late Spring and bears fruit late Summer into Fall. Vitis
californica is quite drought tolerant in the garden though it appreciates
a periodic deep soaking. The California Wild Grape is not particular
about soils as long as they are well drained. Vitis californica
grows well in sun or shade, though fruit production is pretty much
confined to a sunny location. The California Wild Grape has a great
show of Fall color turning shades of yellow and red. A hybrid
between Vitis californica and the wine grape, Roger's Red has been making
the rounds at the nurseries and it turns a brilliant shade of red.
Vitis californica has been Winter hardy in our gardens into the teens.
High
resolution images of Vitis
californica are available.
