ExplorePlants

California wild grape

Vitis californica

The California wild grape is a climbing plant that grows on trees and fences. Its small, sweet grapes are loved by birds and other animals, making it a fun plant to spot in nature!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The California wild grape is a vigorous woody vine with large, deeply lobed leaves that turn brilliant red and orange in fall. It produces small, dark purple-black grapes in clusters, distinct from cultivated varieties by their smaller size and tart flavor.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderVitalesFamilyVitaceaeGenusVitis
California wild grape
climbing trait badgedeciduous trait badgefruit_bearing trait badgefruit_tree trait badge
California wild grape

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Believe it or not, this wild grape helped create some grapes you eat today!

Its strong vines were used by Native Americans for baskets and rope!

Some California wild grape vines can live for over 100 years!

Though tart, its grapes make delicious jelly, pies, and even wine!

Special abilities

Ability

Deep Root Explorer

California wild grape has deep roots that help it survive dry California summers by finding water underground.

Ability

Rapid Growth Spurt

California wild grape can rapidly grow over other plants, helping it dominate sunny clearings and riverbanks.

Ability

Wildlife Buffet & Home

California wild grape has edible fruit and dense foliage, providing vital food and shelter for many local animals.

Measurements & details

Height
100-2000 cm
Spread
300-10000 cm
Flower Size
0.2-0.5 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

eats

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

feasts on its ripe berries

eats

Virginia Opossum

Didelphis virginiana

consumes its sweet grapes

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

gathers nectar from its flowers

shelters

House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

builds nests in its dense vines

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't eat wild grapes unless an adult says it's safe!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is California wild grape?

100-2000 cm

How wide does California wild grape spread?

300-10000 cm

How big are the flowers on California wild grape?

0.2-0.5 cm

When does California wild grape bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is California wild grape edible?

Yes

Is California wild grape toxic?

None

What is California wild grape's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is California wild grape pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

More Plants