How much sun does Stinkvine need?

Stinkvine grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Stinkvine bloom?

Stinkvine blooms in July, August, and September.

What pollinators does Stinkvine attract?

Stinkvine draws bees and beetles.

Is Stinkvine HOA-friendly?

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

Stinkvine

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Paederia foetida

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Stinkvine (Paederia foetida) 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 sun

Water

medium

Size

120"–360" H × 60"–180" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Stinkvine

Stinkvine 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

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Stinkvine is an aggressive climbing vine that can reach 30 feet in height and spread rapidly across large areas. This plant produces small flowers in summer but is notorious for its unpleasant odor when crushed or disturbed. It requires regular pruning to prevent it from overwhelming other plants and structures.

In an HOA neighborhood

Stinkvine 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.

Aggressive growth can look uncontrolled
Unpleasant odor when disturbed
Can overwhelm nearby plants

Wildlife value

The summer flowers attract bees and beetles during its July through September bloom period.

Common questions

How much sun does Stinkvine need?: Stinkvine grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Stinkvine bloom?: Stinkvine blooms in July, August, and September.
What pollinators does Stinkvine attract?: Stinkvine draws bees and beetles.
Is Stinkvine HOA-friendly?: Stinkvine 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.

See all plant problem guides

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