Benth.
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.130741
Element CodePDVIT04060
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicendemic to a single nation
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderRhamnales
FamilyVitaceae
GenusVitis
Other Common NamesCalifornia wild grape (EN) California Wild Grape (EN)
Concept ReferenceKartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
Taxonomic CommentsVitis californica is distinct from V. girdiana according to phylogenetic data (Wada 2008).
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2022-02-01
Change Date1988-05-16
Edition Date2022-02-01
Edition AuthorsMcCarry and Frances
Threat ImpactHigh
Range Extent20,000-2,500,000 square km (about 8000-1,000,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences> 300
Rank ReasonsVitis californica is a woody vine that occurs in the western United States, in California and in southern Oregon. It is threatened by hybridization with the non-native grapevine, Vitis vinifera, such that naturally occurring populations are considered to be almost extirpated in California. In addition to the threat of hybridization, the habitats of southwestern Vitis species are impacted by several large-scale threats. Vitis californica is also intrinsically vulnerable due to low seedling recruitment.
Range Extent CommentsVitis californica occurs in California and Oregon in the United States. Flora of North America (2016) indicates that the native range of V. californica comprises central and northern California, extending north from San Luis Obispo and Inyo counties to southern Oregon. Dangl et al. (2015) include the Tehachapi Mountains as part of the native range, which occur in Kern and Los Angeles counties. Citizen science observations of this species have been recorded from further south in California (e.g., San Diego County) and in Mexico near the San Diego border (Tijuana). However, identification of this species is difficult due to extensive hybridization with the native V. girdiana and introduced V. vinifera. Therefore, observations of V. californica south of Los Angeles county are not included within this assessment of the native range until observations can be verified.
Occurrences CommentsThere are over 500 specimen-based localities in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility but it is unclear how many Element Occurrences there are, especially due to widespread hybridization of V. californica with V. vinifera.
Threat Impact CommentsVitis californica is threatened by frequent hybridization with the non-native grapevine, V. vinifera. Walker et al. (2019) describe V. californica as "almost extinct" in California due to the threat of hybridization. Southwestern Vitis species are threatened by grazing, drought, invasive species, and herbicide use along highways (Fayyaz et al. 2021, Heinitz et al 2019).