Yellow Passionflower
Passiflora lutea
Last reviewed: June 2026
Passiflora lutea is a native vine producing small yellow flowers from June through August across the southeastern and midwestern United States.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Yellow Passionflower as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
60"–120" H × 24"–60" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 18 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Yellow passionflower is a delicate native vine with small, pale yellow flowers that bloom through summer. This climbing plant has lobed leaves and can reach 6-10 feet, making it perfect for trellises, fences, or as ground cover.
Growing Yellow Passionflower
Grow Yellow Passionflower in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 60 to 120 inches tall and spread 24 to 60 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Yellow Passionflower takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Vine growth can appear uncontrolled without structure
- May be viewed as too wild or informal for front yards
- Requires support structure or can sprawl messily
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and butterflies, while the foliage serves as a host plant for fritillary butterfly caterpillars.
Common questions
- When does Yellow Passionflower bloom?
- Passiflora lutea blooms from June through August, producing small greenish-yellow flowers.
- What pollinators visit Yellow Passionflower?
- Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of Passiflora lutea flowers.
- Where is Passiflora lutea native?
- Yellow Passionflower is native to 23 states from Florida north to Pennsylvania and west to Kansas and Texas.
- What growing conditions does Yellow Passionflower prefer?
- This vine adapts to various light conditions from full sun to partial shade and tolerates different moisture levels.
- Is Yellow Passionflower toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Yellow Passionflower as toxic to livestock.
- Is Yellow Passionflower HOA-friendly?
- Yellow Passionflower 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 Passionflower? 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