Apios
Apios americana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–120" H × 12"–48" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CO, CT and 32 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Apios americana is a native climbing vine that produces fragrant, burgundy-red flowers in late summer. This vigorous perennial grows from edible tubers and can reach 10 feet in height when given support structures like trellises or fences.
In an HOA neighborhood
Apios takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Vigorous spreading habit can appear uncontrolled
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare support structures
- May be viewed as too wild or agricultural for formal landscapes
Wildlife value
The fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies during the summer blooming period. The dense foliage also provides nesting sites and cover for small birds.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Apios fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.