California snakeroot
Aristolochia californica
Last reviewed: September 2026
California snakeroot (Aristolochia californica) is a perennial vine native to CA. It blooms in January, February, March, and April. The flowers draw flies.
Toxicity unknown
California snakeroot (Aristolochia californica) 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
part shade
Water
medium
Size
24"–240" H × 24"–180" W
Bloom
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Native to
CA
Pollinators
flies
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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Twining deciduous vine with heart-shaped leaves and curved, pipe-shaped mottled purple-brown flowers in late winter and early spring. Climbs fences and trellises in wooded canyons and along stream banks.
Growing California snakeroot
Grow California snakeroot in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 240 inches tall and spread 24 to 180 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Host plant for pipevine swallowtail.
Sole larval host plant for the pipevine swallowtail butterfly. Flowers attract small flies as pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does California snakeroot need?
- California snakeroot grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does California snakeroot bloom?
- California snakeroot blooms in January, February, March, and April.
- Where is California snakeroot native?
- California snakeroot (Aristolochia californica) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does California snakeroot host?
- California snakeroot is a larval host plant for pipevine swallowtail.
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
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 California snakeroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.