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Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides (Mexican Flame Vine)
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© shadowsmom21666, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) · iNaturalist

Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides

Mexican Flame Vine

At a Glance

Typevine
Foliageevergreen
Height96-240 inches (240-600 cm)
Width60-120 inches (150-300 cm)
Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

9 - 11
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancetender

Overview

Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides is the Mexican flame vine (orange glow vine), a tropical climbing or sprawling perennial in the daisy family (Asteraceae) growing 96-240 inches (240-600 cm). Bright orange to red-orange daisy-like flowers 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) with a yellow disc center cluster in terminal heads from spring through fall (year-round in tropics) — orange-flowered vines are uncommon in southern gardens, and this species fills that color niche. The flame-orange color is the species' defining trait. Medium green ovate leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) with toothed margins on twining stems. Butterfly magnet — particularly heavily visited by monarchs, queens, and other large nectar-feeding butterflies; the butterfly traffic in bloom is heavy. Native to Mexico, Belize, and Honduras. Formerly classified as Senecio confusus. Non-toxic. Frost-tender: foliage damage at 32°F (0°C); roots resprout from zone 9 with mulch. Full sun for heaviest flowering. Drought-tolerant once established. Adapts to a range of soils. Hummingbirds also visit the orange flowers. Growth rate is fast — 60-120 inches (150-300 cm) per year. Containers of 5-10 gallons (20-40 liters). Zones 9-11.

Native Range

Native to Mexico, Belize, and Honduras. Formerly classified as Senecio confusus.

Suggested Uses

Grown on trellises, fences, arbors, and as a sprawling ground cover in zones 9-11. Containers of 5-10 gallons (20-40 liters). Full sun for heaviest bloom. Heavy butterfly traffic — placement near seating areas and butterfly gardens. Non-toxic. Hummingbird-visited. The orange flower color fills a niche in tropical vine palettes.

How to Identify

Identified by bright orange to red-orange daisy-like flower clusters with yellow disc centers on a twining vine with toothed ovate leaves. The flame-orange color separates this from yellow black-eyed Susan vine and blue sky vine. Daisy-shaped flowers (not trumpet-shaped) confirm the Asteraceae family. Formerly Senecio confusus.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8' - 20'
Width/Spread5' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~30 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring through fall in subtropics; year-round in tropics. Bright orange daisy clusters. Heavily butterfly-visited (monarchs, queens). Hummingbird-visited.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright orange to red-orange daisy clusters with yellow disc centers

Foliage Description

Medium green, ovate, toothed margins

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Requires 5-10 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 Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun for heaviest bloom; tolerates partial shade. Drought-tolerant once established. Frost-tender at 32°F (0°C); roots resprout from zone 9 with mulch. Twining stems wrap supports. Non-toxic. Heavily butterfly-visited. Hummingbird-visited. Zones 9-11.

Pruning

Pruning to control size happens after flowering or in late winter. Cut back by one-third to one-half. Tolerates aggressive cutback and resprouts vigorously. The fast growth rate calls for annual pruning in tight spaces.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic