10 Beautiful Native Vining Plants to Support Pollinators

Invasive and non-native vines, such as kudzu and Eastern myrtle, have given grapevines a bad reputation. However, North America has many native vines that play important roles in the ecosystem, support pollinators, and have great ornamental appeal. When you need a climber or vine for your porch or patio, choosing one of these native climbers can make your garden more wildlife-friendly and visually appealing.

01. American Wisteria

Japanese wisteria is common throughout much of North America, but American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) is another story. Native to Virginia, Florida, Texas, Illinois, and areas in between, this plant doesn’t grow as vigorously as its Asian counterpart. Clusters of fragrant purple flowers appear in spring and look great on a pergola or porch, but you’ll want to plant these beauties in full sun for the best blooms.

02. Dutchman’s Pipe

Native to the eastern United States, Aristolochia macrophylla is a fast-growing plant with heart-shaped leaves and bright, pipe-like flowers. Although these plants grow vigorously in parts of Florida, they play an important role in their native habitat and are the primary host plants for pipe-tail butterflies.

03. Cross Wine

Begonia capriolata is another hummingbird favorite, producing large, trumpet-shaped flowers from late winter to early spring. These vines grow throughout the southeastern and south-central United States and tolerate a wide range of soils. However, crossvines are more flammable than other plants, so you may want to keep them away from your home.

04. Coral Honeysuckle

There are several species of invasive honeysuckle, but coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is a well-behaved native found in the eastern half of North America. Also known as trumpet honeysuckle, it produces a stunning display of coral-colored tubular flowers that hummingbirds can’t resist from spring to early summer. For maximum wildlife benefit, plant coral honeysuckle near a bird bath or bird feeder.

05. Virginia creeper

Parthenocissus quinquefolia is often confused with poison ivy (also a native plant), but this vine has five leaves, not three. It is native to the eastern and central United States. Use Virginia creeper as a low-maintenance ground cover or let it climb vertically and enjoy its colorful leaves when they turn red in the fall. Sparrows, woodpeckers, and other songbirds love Virginia creeper berries, and these vines are also host plants for several species of sphinx moths. They can grow vigorously in warm areas.

06. Common hops

If you want to get more out of your vines, try growing native edible vines like common hops (Humulus lupulus). Hops grow throughout North America, and are especially popular for making beer, but they can also be drunk in hot tea, and their flowers are very attractive to butterflies like the red hop moth. Most hops grow to a height of 10 to 15 feet, but healthy plants can grow to over 30 feet when mature, so make sure you have a sturdy trellis.

07. Trumpet Wine

Trumpet vines (Campus radicans) and crossvines are closely related, but trumpet vines are deciduous, while crossvines typically retain their leaves in the winter. The large red flowers of the trumpet vine demand attention in any garden, but the plant is also a magnet for hummingbirds and other pollinators. It is native to the eastern United States but has spread throughout the country. Trumpet vines grow well in relatively poor soils and rarely require fertilizer. However, this vine can grow vigorously outside its native range.

08. Wild Grape

Another food option, wild grape vines (Vitis spp.) produce smaller, more pungent fruits than their cultivated counterparts, and are generally easier to grow. Songbirds and game birds love these fruits, but you can also harvest wild grapes for your own use. Like other grapes, wild grapes ripen in late summer, and you can eat them straight off the vine or use them to make jams, pies, and jellies. The leaves, which are also edible, turn yellow in the fall.

09. Virgin's Bow

Also known as devil's needle or oak plant, virgin's bow (Clematis virginiana) is a member of the jasmine family that grows in the eastern and central United States and Canada. Virgin's bow is a great choice for woodland gardens and wildlife habitats, attracting all kinds of pollinators, including hummingbirds. Moist soil is best for these plants. A well-cared-for virgin's bow can quickly grow to 20 feet tall under the right conditions.

10. Purple Passionflower

Native to the south-central and southeastern United States, purple passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a woody creeper in warm areas but a delicate herbaceous creeper in cooler climates. These plants produce interesting purple flowers and edible fruits that can be eaten off the vine or made into jelly. Disease- and drought-resistant, passionflower is surprisingly easy to care for despite its tropical appearance, and can even be grown as a houseplant.