Araujia spp.

moth plant

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Araujia spp. is a genus of twining, evergreen climbers in the dogbane family Apocynaceae, native to South America and containing a handful of species. Plants climb by twining stems to 16-30 feet (5-9 m), with opposite, arrow-shaped to oblong leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long that are dark green above and pale, downy white beneath. All parts release a milky latex when cut. From summer into autumn the vines bear clusters of bell-shaped flowers about 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) across in white to pale pink, often with darker streaks inside. A. sericifera, the moth plant or cruel plant, is the species seen most widely; its common names come from the way visiting moths are briefly caught by the tongue in the flowers as they feed and pollinate. The flowers give way to large, ridged, pear-shaped pods 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) long that split to release many seeds, each carried on a tuft of silky hairs that drift on the wind. The genus grows in warm-temperate to subtropical scrub, forest edges, and disturbed ground, and A. sericifera has naturalized as a weed across Australia, New Zealand, and other mild regions, where it smothers shrubs and trees. The latex and seeds are toxic if eaten, and the sap can irritate skin.

Native Range

Native to South America, including Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and neighboring countries. Plants grow in warm-temperate to subtropical scrub, forest margins, and disturbed ground.

Suggested Uses

Araujia spp. is grown in warm gardens to cover fences, arbors, and large trellises for quick evergreen screening, though its weedy spread limits its use. The night-scented flowers draw moths and other pollinators. Within its native range the silky seed floss has been gathered for stuffing and tinder.

How to Identify

Recognize Araujia spp. by its twining evergreen stems and opposite, arrow-shaped leaves that are dark green above and white-felted beneath, with milky sap that flows from any cut. The white to pink bell flowers about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide appear in summer, followed by large, ridged, pear-shaped pods that split to release silky-tufted seeds. The wind-borne seeds, milky latex, and large pods separate it from other climbing vines.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height16' - 30'

Width/Spread6' - 15'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Summer Fall

Flowering runs from summer into autumn, with clusters of fragrant white to pink bells opening over many weeks. Moths and other night-flying insects pollinate the flowers and are sometimes briefly trapped by the tongue. Large pods develop through autumn and split open in winter to shed their plumed seeds.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white to pale pink

Foliage Description

dark green, white beneath

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow fast in full sun to part shade in most well-drained soils, with a pH near 6.0 to 7.5, and tolerate poor, dry ground once established. The genus suits warm, frost-free to lightly frosted climates, roughly USDA zones 9 to 11, and is cut back by hard frost. A strong trellis, fence, or tree supports the heavy twining stems, which can reach 30 feet (9 m). Propagation is from seed, which germinates freely, or from cuttings. Because A. sericifera self-sows heavily and smothers other plants, it is treated as an invasive weed in many mild regions and is removed before the pods ripen. The milky latex stains and irritates skin, and all parts are toxic if eaten.

Pruning

Stems are cut back hard in late winter to control size, which the vigorous roots tolerate. Removing the developing pods before they split is the main way to limit wind-blown seed. Cut surfaces release sticky latex that can irritate skin.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans

Vines