Desert wild grape
Vitis girdiana
Last reviewed: October 2026
Desert wild grape (Vitis girdiana) is a perennial vine native to CA. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw bees.
Toxicity unknown
Desert wild grape (Vitis girdiana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
60"–300" H × 60"–240" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
Vigorous deciduous vine with broad lobed leaves and tendrils that climb over shrubs and trees along desert washes and canyon bottoms, producing small dark purple grapes in late summer.
Growing Desert wild grape
Grow Desert wild grape in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 60 to 300 inches tall and spread 60 to 240 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Host plant for Achemon sphinx moth.
Fruit is eaten by birds and mammals, and the foliage is a larval host plant for the Achemon sphinx moth.
Common questions
- How much sun does Desert wild grape need?
- Desert wild grape grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Desert wild grape bloom?
- Desert wild grape blooms in April and May.
- Where is Desert wild grape native?
- Desert wild grape (Vitis girdiana) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Desert wild grape host?
- Desert wild grape is a larval host plant for Achemon sphinx moth.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Desert wild grape? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.