Vitis rupestris
Rock grape, Rock Grape
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Family: Vitaceae · Type: Shrub · Not Native
Vitis rupestris (Rock grape) is a non-native California shrub in the Vitaceae family, recognized by small stature, glabrous folded leaves, thin nodal partitions, and lack of fruit.
Rock grape is a naturalized shrub found in southern North Coast Ranges, southern North Coast Interior, Great Valley, and Central Western California in abandoned vineyards and roadsides at elevations below 1,000 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces small flowers typical of grape species. Growing with climbing or non-climbing stems less than one meter tall and glabrous green branches, it develops ephemeral tendrils when needed for support. Its leaves are kidney-shaped with shallow or three-lobed edges, generally serrate, and folded along the midrib with distinctive stipules longer than 3.5 millimeters. While typically producing no fruit, this adaptable plant thrives in disturbed landscapes across California's central regions.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by small stature, glabrous folded leaves, thin nodal partitions, and lack of fruit
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Abandoned vineyards, roadsides
Elevation: < 1000 m
Outside California: Native to central United States, most common in southern Missouri
Bloom period
Vitis rupestris blooms Apr-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Marah: Vitis has palmately lobed leaves and grape-like fruit clusters; Marah has deeply cut star-shaped leaves and large spiny fruits.; vs Hedera: Vitis has tendrils opposite leaves and lobed leaves with rounded sinuses; Hedera lacks tendrils and has pointed leaf lobes.; vs Ribes: Vitis is a climbing vine with tendrils; Ribes (currant/gooseberry) is an upright shrub without tendrils.; vs Rubus: Vitis has simple palmately lobed leaves; Rubus (blackberry) has compound leaves with separate leaflets and thorny stems.; vs Parthenocissus: Vitis has single leaves with deep lobes; Parthenocissus has separate leaflets radiating from center like fingers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vitis rupestris native to California?
No. Vitis rupestris is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Vitis rupestris bloom?
Vitis rupestris blooms Apr-May.
What plant family does Vitis rupestris belong to?
Vitis rupestris is in the Vitaceae family, genus Vitis.
What habitat does Vitis rupestris grow in?
Vitis rupestris grows in Uncommon. Abandoned vineyards, roadsides.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.