Vitaceous shoots can be classified into five distinct architectural patterns based on a three‐node sequence of tendril and axillary bud presence. The relationship between two of the more commonly occurring patterns and their primary vasculature was examined. Cissus alata was chosen to represent pattern 5 (distichous phyllotaxy and continuous leaf‐opposed tendril/inflorescences) and Vitis riparia to represent pattern 4 (distichous phyllotaxy and a three‐node modular pattern of interrupted leaf‐opposed tendril/inflorescences). Both species show architectural dorsiventrality in that the prophyll of the first‐order axillary bud is ventral and vascular dorsiventrality in that all midvein leaf traces arise from ventral vascular sympodia. Both taxa have an even number of vascular sympodia, with four in C. alata and six in V. riparia. Leaf traces are multilacunar, with seven traces in C. alata and five in V. riparia. The leaf‐opposed tendril/inflorescences have the same vascular architecture as the axillary buds ...