Known as Arizona grape, this species is widespread across the southern part of the United States, extending into the highlands of northern Mexico. It typically occurs in riparian settings in the arid and semiarid parts of its range. It is not a true succulent, although the leaves are relatively thick and succulent; the rootstock resembles more of a domestic Vitis than other succulent Cissus. These plants are rooted offsets in one-gallon pots.