How much sun does Serpentary need?

Serpentary grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Serpentary bloom?

Serpentary blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Serpentary native?

Serpentary (Aristolochia serpentaria) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Serpentary attract?

Serpentary draws bees and beetles.

Is Serpentary HOA-friendly?

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

Serpentary

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Aristolochia serpentaria

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Serpentary (Aristolochia serpentaria) 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

6"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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

Serpentary is a low-growing native perennial with heart-shaped leaves that forms small clumps in shaded areas. It produces unusual small brownish flowers close to the ground in late spring and summer. This plant prefers partial shade and consistently moist soil conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Serpentary takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Flowers are inconspicuous and brownish, lacking ornamental appeal
Low growth habit may appear unfinished in formal settings
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beetles with their unique scent and structure. As a native plant, it supports local ecosystem health and provides habitat for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Serpentary need?: Serpentary grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Serpentary bloom?: Serpentary blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Serpentary native?: Serpentary (Aristolochia serpentaria) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Serpentary attract?: Serpentary draws bees and beetles.
Is Serpentary HOA-friendly?: Serpentary 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 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.

See all plant problem guides

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