Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Vitis californica (Western Wild Grape)

Kingdom Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants

Class Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons

Subclass Rosidae

Order Rhamnales

Family Vitaceae – Grape family

Genus Vitis L. – grape

Species Vitis californica Benth. – California wild grape

This deciduous, climbing vine grows to 30’ and can also be allowed to sprawl as a unique ground cover.

The leaves are large with 3-5 lobes.

Bees are attracted to the flowers and birds to the small purple edible grapes.

In fall, the plant embraces Van Gogh’s glorious palette – all shades of yellow, orange and red in dizzying combinations!

This wild grape is native to riparian areas in Oregon and California, USDA zones 7-10. It is useful in restoration projects as it is easy to establish.

It prefers moist sites but will not survive in standing water.

Interestingly, this species is resistant to phylloxera aphids that nearly destroyed the wine industry in the late 19th century. Presently, most commercially-grown grapes have been grafted on to V. Californica rootstock.