When does Apios americana bloom?

Apios americana blooms from July through September, producing clusters of fragrant burgundy to maroon flowers.

What pollinators visit Apios americana?

Bees and butterflies are attracted to the fragrant flowers of Apios americana during its summer blooming period.

Where is Apios americana native?

Apios americana is native to much of eastern and central North America, from Maine to Florida and west to Colorado and Texas.

What growing conditions does Apios americana prefer?

This native vine tolerates full sun to partial shade and prefers medium to high moisture levels in the soil.

Is Apios toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Apios as toxic to livestock.

Is Apios HOA-friendly?

Apios takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Apios

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Apios americana

Last reviewed: June 2026

Apios americana is a native climbing vine found throughout eastern and central North America that produces fragrant burgundy flowers from July through September. This groundnut attracts bees and butterflies while thriving in moist soils.

Apios (Apios americana) — Photo: (c) Jensyn Scott, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jensyn Scott

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Apios as toxic to livestock.

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

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains

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.

Growing Apios

Grow Apios in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 120 inches tall and spread 12 to 48 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

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.

Common questions

When does Apios americana bloom?: Apios americana blooms from July through September, producing clusters of fragrant burgundy to maroon flowers.
What pollinators visit Apios americana?: Bees and butterflies are attracted to the fragrant flowers of Apios americana during its summer blooming period.
Where is Apios americana native?: Apios americana is native to much of eastern and central North America, from Maine to Florida and west to Colorado and Texas.
What growing conditions does Apios americana prefer?: This native vine tolerates full sun to partial shade and prefers medium to high moisture levels in the soil.
Is Apios toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Apios as toxic to livestock.
Is Apios HOA-friendly?: Apios takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

Ready to grow Apios? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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