Skip to main content

Yellow Parilla

Menispermum canadense

Last reviewed: June 2026

Yellow Parilla (Menispermum canadense)
Photo: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

120"–360" H × 60"–180" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Yellow parilla is a native climbing vine that can reach 10-30 feet in height with heart-shaped leaves. It produces small greenish-white flowers in late spring through summer, followed by dark blue berries on female plants. This vigorous grower spreads by underground rhizomes and can form colonies over time.

In an HOA neighborhood

Yellow Parilla 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 spreader that can quickly overtake areas
  • Requires sturdy support structure due to vigorous growth
  • Can look unkempt without regular pruning

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during the blooming season. The berries provide food for birds, though they are toxic to humans.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Yellow Parilla fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.