Balloonvine
Cardiospermum halicacabum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Balloonvine (Cardiospermum halicacabum) 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.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
120"–360" H × 24"–120" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Pollinators
bees, flies
Native alternatives to Balloonvine
Balloonvine is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBalloonvine is a fast-growing annual vine that produces distinctive inflated seed pods resembling small balloons. It climbs by tendrils and bears small white flowers in summer, followed by the papery, three-chambered fruits that give it its name. This tropical vine can quickly cover fences, trellises, or other structures during the growing season.
In an HOA neighborhood
Balloonvine takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Can appear weedy and uncontrolled
- Aggressive self-seeding may be considered invasive-looking
- Vine growth habit may look unkempt without constant management
Wildlife value
The small white flowers attract bees and flies during the summer blooming period. Birds may eat the black seeds contained within the balloon-like pods.
Common questions
- How much sun does Balloonvine need?
- Balloonvine grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Balloonvine bloom?
- Balloonvine blooms in July, August, and September.
- What pollinators does Balloonvine attract?
- Balloonvine draws bees and flies.
- Is Balloonvine HOA-friendly?
- Balloonvine takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Balloonvine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz