CANYON GRAPE

Vitis arizonica

Grape Family (Vitaceae)

Canyon grape is native to the desert Southwest, but enters our area in the southern Colorado Plateau. It appears to be cold-hardy at least to zone 5, but it has rarely been cultivated, even in its native range, so its attributes in cultivation are largely unknown. There are few vines in the Intermountain flora, so this one seems to be worth investigating for wider use. It has relatively small leaves and fruits compared to cultivated grapes, and is a somewhat smaller, more delicate plant, though it can grow very tall, as in Zion National Park where it clambers up to the tops of the cottonwoods. It has small, purple grapes with a waxy bloom, somewhat like concords. These are quite edible and are very attractive to birds. Canyon grape can be trellised, trained over an arbor, or allowed to ramble on the ground. It is mainly a plant of springs and streamsides, but it is very tolerant of heat and sun as long as it is adequately watered.