Grape Ivy
Cissus trifoliata
A native vine ranging from Arizona to Florida that gracefully drapes over walls and fences.
A cold- and heat-tough native for USDA zones 7-11; it drops leaves and dies back in freezing winters, resprouting from its tuber, and shrugs off intense desert heat and drought.
AMWUA Notes
A very low-water Arizona native vine for wildlife and naturalistic gardens; vigorous enough to need occasional cutting back to keep it tidy.
Care Guide
Water every 2-3 weeks in summer once established; the fleshy tuberous root makes it very drought tolerant and it needs little supplemental water in native settings.
Cut back and thin in late winter to control its spread and remove old stems; it climbs by tendrils and can grow rampant, so shear to keep it in bounds.
No fertilizer is needed for this tough native.
Trouble-free; the fruit is not for human consumption but is used by birds.
Inconspicuous green summer flowers give way to small dark berries eaten by birds; the vine drops its leaves in winter and leafs out again in spring.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Thrives in poor, rocky, well-drained native desert soils; very forgiving of tough alkaline ground thanks to its tuberous root.
Needs well-drained soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
Seed, tuber division, or cuttings; roots easily and can grow rampant.
6-8 ft apart on a wall or fence (10 ft mature spread)
Fleshy tuberous root resprouts vigorously and the vine can grow rampant; cut back to keep it in bounds, though it is a native rather than a noxious invader.
Placement Tips
- •Let it drape and climb over block walls, fences, and boulders in naturalistic native designs.
- •Give it a support if you want vertical cover, or let it sprawl as a rough bank cover.
- •Site where its vigorous, sometimes rampant growth and winter bareness are acceptable.
- •Tolerates full sun to part shade; very forgiving of tough soils.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Wildlife Value
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Grape Ivy. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Grape Ivy — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Grape Ivy need in Phoenix?
Grape Ivy is a low-water vine once established. Water every 2-3 weeks in summer once established; the fleshy tuberous root makes it very drought tolerant and it needs little supplemental water in native settings. A very low-water Arizona native vine for wildlife and naturalistic gardens; vigorous enough to need occasional cutting back to keep it tidy.
How big does Grape Ivy get?
Expect roughly 15 ft tall and 10 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 6-8 ft apart on a wall or fence (10 ft mature spread) of spacing when planting. Fleshy tuberous root resprouts vigorously and the vine can grow rampant; cut back to keep it in bounds, though it is a native rather than a noxious invader.
Can you plant Grape Ivy near a pool?
Yes. Grape Ivy is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated seasonal.
Can Grape Ivy handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Grape Ivy is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. A cold- and heat-tough native for USDA zones 7-11; it drops leaves and dies back in freezing winters, resprouting from its tuber, and shrugs off intense desert heat and drought. Inconspicuous green summer flowers give way to small dark berries eaten by birds; the vine drops its leaves in winter and leafs out again in spring.
Does Grape Ivy have thorns?
No. Grape Ivy is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Grape Ivy safe around pets?
Grape Ivy is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Grape Ivy bloom in Arizona?
Grape Ivy blooms in summer, with green flowers. The bloom draws bees.
How much maintenance does Grape Ivy need?
Grape Ivy is moderate-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated seasonal. Cut back and thin in late winter to control its spread and remove old stems; it climbs by tendrils and can grow rampant, so shear to keep it in bounds.
What kind of soil does Grape Ivy need?
Thrives in poor, rocky, well-drained native desert soils; very forgiving of tough alkaline ground thanks to its tuberous root. It needs no supplemental feeding. No fertilizer is needed for this tough native.
Is Grape Ivy native to Arizona?
Yes. Grape Ivy is native to Arizona and to the Arizona to Florida, south to North and South America, so it is adapted to local rainfall, soil and heat.