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Desert Wild Grape

Vitis girdiana

true

1 gallon

Desert Wild Grape

In stock

50’x50’

Sizes:

Desert Wild Grape – Vitis girdiana
Also known as: Valley Grape; Desert Grape

Desert Wild Grape is a deciduous vine native to Southern California, Arizona, and Baja California. Locally, it grows along desert washes, oases, and streambanks in hotter, drier areas than its cousin Vitis californica. In wild habitats, its stems can climb up to 50 feet as it scrambles over trees and shrubs. In cultivation, it can be trained along fences, trellises, or arbors to create lush, shady spaces ideal for wildlife gardens.

In spring, it leafs out with attractive green foliage, later turning brilliant red in fall before dropping for the winter. The inconspicuous flowers give way to clusters of small, edible, dark purple fruit by mid to late summer. These fruits are prized by a variety of birds and mammals. The vine also provides dense cover and nesting sites, making it a valuable addition to any wildlife-friendly garden. Although native to riparian zones, it is drought-tolerant once established and can thrive in well-drained soils with occasional supplemental water. As with all grapes and raisins, the fruit is toxic to dogs and should be planted with caution in pet-accessible areas.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: —
Bird Resources: Caterpillars; Berries/Fruit; Nest
Bird Species: Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus); House Sparrow (Passer domesticus); Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura); California Thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low-Moderate

Exposure:

Full Sun; Shade

Mature size:

50’x50’

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

n/a

Flower season:

n/a

Pruning:

Cut back in the late winter early spring to control growth

Cold Hardiness:

0 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Yes

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.