Vitis arizonica

Common Names

Canyon Grape, Arizona Grape, Uva Del Monte, Arizona Wild Grape, Jirahui, Jiragui, Parra, Uva Cimarrona, Vid

Summary

Canyon grape, a broadleaf deciduous climber native to the Southwest United States and northern Mexico, is a woody vine 2–6 m long and sprawling to 16–20 ft wide, climbing by tendrils. Leaves are dark green, broadly cordate with 3–5 lobes; inflorescences are loose panicles 2–10 cm long bearing tiny white flowers; fruits are small edible grapes about 8–10 mm in diameter that turn black when ripe and are eaten by birds.

Cultivation favors deep, rich, moist, well-drained loam and tolerates sun or partial shade, with fruit ripening best in a warm, sunny position; prune in winter to avoid excessive bleeding; honey fungus is a noted susceptibility; propagation by seed (cold-frame stratification), cuttings, or layering; USDA hardiness 5–9; substantial water during summer and regular irrigation during establishment; after establishment, drought-tolerant; uses include edible fruit (raw or dried), wine and jams, leaves edible and used for wrapping foods, and yellow dye from leaves; also valued for erosion control and ornamental landscape use.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6 feet 7 inches – 19 feet 8 inches

Spread

6-20 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun. Tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, deep, rich, moist loam with pH 5.5–7.5.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, moisture-retentive but not waterlogged soil.

Soil pH

5.5-7.5, Mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soils (neutral included)

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green, gold, red, orange, yellow, purple

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Very fast growth; up to 6–10 ft per season under good conditions, slower in year 1, vigorous by year 2–3

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, other pollinators, and birds are attracted.