Yellow Parilla
Menispermum canadense
Last reviewed: June 2026
Menispermum canadense (Yellow Parilla) is a native deciduous vine found across eastern and central North America. It produces small yellow-green flowers from May through July and thrives in partial shade to shaded woodland conditions.
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.
Growing Yellow Parilla
Grow Yellow Parilla in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 120 to 360 inches tall and spread 60 to 180 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- Where does Yellow Parilla naturally grow?
- Menispermum canadense is native to a wide range across eastern and central United States, from Florida north to Minnesota and from Texas east to the Atlantic coast states.
- When does Yellow Parilla bloom?
- Yellow Parilla produces its small yellow-green flowers from May through July, with peak blooming typically occurring in early summer.
- What pollinators visit Yellow Parilla?
- The small flowers of Menispermum canadense attract various bees and beetles, which serve as the primary pollinators for this native vine.
- What growing conditions does Yellow Parilla prefer?
- This native vine thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions with medium moisture levels, making it well-suited for woodland gardens and naturalized areas.
- Is Yellow Parilla toxic to cats?
- Yes. Yellow Parilla is listed as toxic to cats by the Cornell University Poisonous Plants Database (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Yellow Parilla HOA-friendly?
- Yellow Parilla 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Yellow Parilla? 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