Vitis arizonica aka Canyon Grape

Vitis arizonica, or canyon grape, belongs to the grape family, Vitaceae. Its native range runs from Nevada to Texas and northern Mexico. It grows beside streams and in canyons, often climbing into trees. Records from Arizona and Utah place it at elevations of 1,970–7,415 feet [600–2,260 metres]. Kew describes its climate range as temperate. The RHS lists its name as unresolved.

This deciduous vine reaches about 16 feet [5 metres] in height. It climbs with tendrils, which let it hold onto nearby supports. Its climbing form suits a woodland edge with room to grow. PFAF also lists it for sites with dappled shade. The supplied species account gives no mature spread. It flowers from June to July, with seeds ripening from September to October. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers.

The fruit grows in bunches, with each grape about 0.4 inches [10 millimetres] across. The small fruits can be eaten fresh or dried for winter. Leaves can also be eaten raw and chewed to ease thirst. Young leaves serve as food wrappers for baking and add flavour. Young tendrils can be eaten raw or cooked. Fresh or dried leaves also yield a yellow dye. PFAF reports no known hazards, but this does not establish pet safety. It lists no medicinal uses.

For cultivation, choose deep, rich loam that drains well. The plant prefers moist soil with moderate fertility, though it also accepts dry soil. It can grow in sand, loam, or clay. It tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline conditions. PFAF reports that it grows best in lime-rich soil. Sun or partial shade can support growth. A warm, sunny site helps the fruit ripen. PFAF gives a USDA hardiness range of zones 5–9.

Prune during winter dormancy, since cuts at other times can bleed heavily. Propagation options include seed and winter cuttings of mature wood. Cold treatment for six weeks can improve seed germination. Some seeds wait an extra year before they sprout. Grow seedlings under cold-frame cover through their first winter. PFAF lists no weed potential for this species. Its honey fungus warning concerns the genus, rather than a confirmed species-specific problem.