Vine · Sonoran native
Arizona Grape
Vitis arizonica · Vitaceae (grape family)
Also called: Canyon Grape, Canyon Wild Grape, Arizona Wild Grape, Uva del Monte
Arizona Grape (Vitis arizonica) is a low-water vine native to the Sonoran Desert region well suited to Tucson and the low desert. It thrives in full sun to part shade, with a fast growth rate.
Arizona Grape at a glance
- Water use
- Low (established)
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade; in Tucson tolerates more sun with adequate root moisture but naturally a canyon/riparian plant that appreciates afternoon shade.
- Mature size
- 20-30 ft H x 15-25 ft W (deciduous woody vine climbing by tendrils)
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Bloom
- Inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers (fragrant), Spring (April-May), followed by purple-black fruit ripening August-October
- Cold hardiness
- Very cold hardy, to about 0 to -10°F (USDA zone 5-9); fully hardy throughout the Tucson area.
- Soil
- Adaptable to most soils including rocky and alkaline desert soils; requires good drainage; best with deep soil near water.
- Native range
- Sonoran Desert canyons and riparian corridors of Arizona, New Mexico, west Texas, southern Utah/Nevada, and northern Mexico
- Best used as
- Native shade vine for arbors and ramadas, Wildlife/edible garden, Erosion control on slopes and washes, Habitat restoration
- Wildlife
- High wildlife value: tart edible grapes are eaten by many bird species, javelina, coyote, and other mammals; foliage is a larval host for sphinx (hawk) moths; flowers attract bees.
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic; fruit is edible (tart, tannic) and used for jelly, juice, raisins, and wine, especially sweeter after frost.
How to grow Arizona Grape in Tucson & the low desert
Watering
Established plants are low-water but as a riparian native they look best and fruit better with deep soaking every 1-2 weeks in summer; tolerates drought by dropping leaves.
Fertilizer & nutrients
Minimal needs in native soil; a light application of balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring supports vigorous growth and fruiting. Avoid heavy feeding.
Pruning & care
Prune in winter while dormant to control size and shape and to renew fruiting wood; tolerates hard renewal pruning. Train onto a sturdy arbor or fence.
Notes
One of the most ecologically valuable native vines for the desert Southwest. Deciduous in winter. Vigorous and long-lived; give it a strong support structure.
Sources: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (Vitis arizonica); USDA Forest Service Plant of the Week; Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum / Southwest Desert Flora; University of Arizona Extension (Yavapai/Pima native plant guides)