ExplorePlants

skunk vine

Paederia foetida

Skunk vine is a climbing plant that has bright green leaves and small flowers. It grows quickly and can cover fences and trees, making it a fun plant to spot in gardens and parks.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The skunk vine is a slender, climbing perennial vine with light green, heart-shaped leaves. Its small, tubular flowers are pale pink to lilac, often appearing in clusters, and its woody stems twist around supports.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderGentianalesFamilyRubiaceaeGenusPaederia
skunk vine
climbing trait badgearomatic trait badgedeciduous trait badgeflowering trait badge
skunk vine

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Crushing its leaves releases a smell like rotten eggs!

It can climb high into trees, sometimes forming a leafy curtain!

Its scientific name, 'foetida', actually means 'stinky' in Latin.

People in some countries cook its leaves to eat as a vegetable!

Special abilities

Ability

Stinky Shield

Skunk vine releases a foul, sulfurous odor when its leaves are crushed, helping it defend against hungry herbivores.

Ability

Climbing Champion

Skunk vine can rapidly grow and twine around other plants, using them as supports to reach sunlight.

Ability

Quick Cover

Skunk vine grows very quickly, allowing it to cover large areas and outcompete other slower-growing plants.

Measurements & details

Height
300-700 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Summer-fall
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.

eats

Corn earworm

Helicoverpa zea

Larvae may feed on leaves and stems.

parasitizes

Skunk vine rust

Puccinia paederiae

A specific fungus that infects the plant.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't touch or smell the leaves too closely, as they can have a strong odor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is skunk vine?

300-700 cm

How big are the flowers on skunk vine?

0.5-1 cm

When does skunk vine bloom?

Summer-fall

Is skunk vine edible?

No

Is skunk vine toxic?

Mild

What is skunk vine's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is skunk vine pollinated?

Insect

Where is skunk vine usually found?

Urban areas

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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