California Grape, Vitis californica

California Grape, Vitis californica:



This will grow under california bay prefers heavy soil but very fast and will make a woody thicket if it has nowhere to climb



 "Vitis californica, or California Wild Grape, is a species of wild grape that grows throughout central and northern California, and occasionally in southern California. Specifically, it grows as far south as the foothills of the Transverse Range, over the entire range of Sequoia and Cascade Foothills, occasionally in the San Joaquin Valley, and throughout the Sacramento Valley, North Coast Range and Klamath Range, and into southern Oregon. It is a deciduous vine which can grow to over 10 meters (30 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 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. Bees love the flowers, and it is one of the best plants for butterflies in fall.

California Wild Grape is extremely fast growing and easy to grow. It's easy to train into an arbor, or windbreak along a fence, or pretty much any shape you want. If it has nowhere to climb, it makes a nice, though winter deciduous, groundcover.



Though this plant naturally grows in moister areas, it is surprisingly drought tolerant once established. It puts down deep roots and in most of its native range needs little or no incremental irrigation once it is established, though it will tolerate as much irrigation as you want to give it. More water makes it larger and lusher (not necessarily a good thing). It prefers to have its leaves in full sun, and will stretch up through the trees to get to it. It prefers heavier soils.

The downside of this plant is that it can be extremely aggressive, and may require continuous pruning to keep under control. While it can be invasive, it's easy to pull out. Also, it is winter deciduous, and its abundant dead leaves can be a problem in a tidy garden."



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