Skip to main content

Climbing Hempvine

Mikania scandens

Last reviewed: August 2026

Climbing Hempvine (Mikania scandens)
Photo: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay

Toxicity unknown

Climbing Hempvine (Mikania scandens) 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 Climbing Hempvine as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

120"–300" H × 36"–120" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, wasps

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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Edwards PlateauSouthern Texas PlainsTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsPiedmontNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyInterior PlateauMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal PlainAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Climbing hempvine is a fast-growing native vine that can reach 10-25 feet in length. It produces clusters of small white flowers from July through September and thrives in moist, partially shaded areas. This vigorous climber needs sturdy support structures and regular management to prevent it from overwhelming other plants.

In an HOA neighborhood

Climbing Hempvine 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.

  • Extremely vigorous growth can appear uncontrolled
  • May overwhelm fences and structures
  • Can look messy without frequent pruning

Wildlife value

The summer flowers attract bees, butterflies, and wasps, providing nectar during the peak growing season. Seeds may also provide food for birds in fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Climbing Hempvine need?
Climbing Hempvine grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Climbing Hempvine bloom?
Climbing Hempvine blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Climbing Hempvine native?
Climbing Hempvine (Mikania scandens) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Climbing Hempvine toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Climbing Hempvine as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Climbing Hempvine attract?
Climbing Hempvine draws bees, butterflies, and wasps.
Is Climbing Hempvine HOA-friendly?
Climbing Hempvine 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

See all plant problem guides

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

Add this plant to your garden
iPhone appAndroid app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz