Vitis californica

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Vitis californica

Vitis californica

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Vitales
Family:	Vitaceae
Genus:	Vitis
Species:	V. californica

Binomial name

Vitis californica
Benth.

The wild grape species Vitis californica is the California wild grape. It is a deciduous vine which can grow to over thirty feet in length. It climbs on other plants or covers the ground with twisted, woody ropes of vine covered in green leaves. In the fall the leaves turn many shades of orange and yellow, and bunches of small and often sour but edible purple grapes hang from the vines. It is found statewide in California and into Oregon. It is a common sight along the banks of the Sacramento River.

The California wild grape grows along streams and rivers and thrives in damp areas; however, like most other native California plants it can withstand periods of dry conditions. The grapes provide an important food source for a variety of wild animals, especially birds, and the foliage provides thick cover.

The wild grape is strong and robust, and viticulturists worldwide often use it as rootstock for their wine grapes. The interesting shape and color of the leaves and the lush, trainable vines make this species an attractive garden plant. In some areas where the plant is not native it has the capacity to become a noxious weed.