Vanilla plant
Carphephorus odoratissimus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Vanilla plant (Carphephorus odoratissimus) 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
24"–48" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees
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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaAn upright perennial of moist open pinelands with basal leaves that carry a sweet vanilla scent when dried, and tall flowering stems topped with flat clusters of lavender-pink blooms in fall. The flowering stalks can flop a bit in rich soil.
Wildlife value
Fall bloom timing makes it an important late-season nectar source for migrating and resident butterflies.
Common questions
- How much sun does Vanilla plant need?
- Vanilla plant grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Vanilla plant bloom?
- Vanilla plant blooms in September, October, and November.
- Where is Vanilla plant native?
- Vanilla plant (Carphephorus odoratissimus) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Vanilla plant attract?
- Vanilla plant draws butterflies and bees.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Vanilla plant? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz