When does Apios americana bloom?

Apios americana produces clusters of fragrant maroon flowers from July through September.

What kind of light does Apios americana need?

It grows best in part sun but tolerates conditions ranging from full sun to part shade, especially where soil stays consistently moist.

How much water does Apios americana need?

This vine prefers medium to consistently moist soil and is often found near streambanks, ditches, and low thickets where water is plentiful.

What pollinators visit Apios americana flowers?

Bees and butterflies are the main visitors, drawn to the fragrant maroon flower clusters produced in mid to late summer.

Is Apios americana a climbing plant?

Yes, it is a twining herbaceous vine that uses fences, shrubs, or other structures for support as it grows each season.

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: August 2026

Apios americana is a twining vine that blooms July through September with fragrant maroon flowers, thriving in moist soil along streambanks and thickets in part sun.

Toxicity unknown

Apios (Apios americana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

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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 produces clusters of fragrant maroon flowers from July through September.
What kind of light does Apios americana need?: It grows best in part sun but tolerates conditions ranging from full sun to part shade, especially where soil stays consistently moist.
How much water does Apios americana need?: This vine prefers medium to consistently moist soil and is often found near streambanks, ditches, and low thickets where water is plentiful.
What pollinators visit Apios americana flowers?: Bees and butterflies are the main visitors, drawn to the fragrant maroon flower clusters produced in mid to late summer.
Is Apios americana a climbing plant?: Yes, it is a twining herbaceous vine that uses fences, shrubs, or other structures for support as it grows each season.
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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

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