Vitis californica

Vitis californica
Vitis californica
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Vitales
Family:	Vitaceae
Genus:	Vitis
Species:	V. californica
Binomial name
Vitis californica Benth.

Vitis californica, with common names California wild grape, Northern California grape, and Pacific grape, is a wild grape species widespread across much of California as well as southwestern Oregon.

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

Description

Vitis californica is a deciduous vine which can grow to over 10 m (33 ft) 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.

Bunches of small and often sour but edible purple grapes hang from the vines in autumn, which can be made into excellent jelly or juice. The grapes provide an important food source for a variety of wild animals, especially birds, and the foliage provides thick cover. The grapes are a common sight along the banks of the Sacramento River.

File:Vitis californica at Caswell Memorial State Park spring leaves.jpg

New leaves in a riparian woodland in the San Joaquin Valley.

Cultivation

Viticulture

The wild grape is strong and robust, and viticulturists worldwide often use it as rootstock for their wine grapes. In some areas where the plant is not native it has the capacity to become a noxious weed.

Horticulture

Vitis californica is cultivated as an ornamental plant. The interesting shape and color of the leaves and the lush, trainable vines make this species an attractive garden plant. This vine is commonly used in native plant gardens, where once established it thrives without summer water.

The cultivar 'Roger's Red' (named for noted horticulturist Roger Raiche) turns brilliant red in fall and is a hybrid with a wine grape, Vitis vinifera Alicante Bouschet. The cultivar 'Walker Ridge' turns yellow in the autumn.

External links

• CalFlora Database: Vitis californica (California wild grape)
• Jepson Manual eFlora (TJM2) treatment of Vitis californica
• USDA Plants Profile: Vitis californica (California wild grape)
• US Forest Service Fire Ecology
• U.C. Photos gallery — Vitis californica