Passiflora lutea aka Yellow Passionflower

Passiflora lutea has two common names: eastern yellow passionflower and dwarf passionflower. It belongs to Passifloraceae, the passion vine family. This vine lives for more than one year. Its native range spans the central and eastern United States. This includes much of the south-central and southeastern states. It grows fast and uses tendrils to climb. Garden plants reach 10–20 feet [3–6.1 metres] tall. They spread about 2–4 feet [0.6–1.2 metres]. Deep rhizomes, or underground stems, help it spread beyond its first planting spot.

The bright green leaves have three soft lobes and smooth edges. Each leaf is simple, with no separate leaflets. It is wider than it is long. Leaves measure 1–3 inches long and 3–6 inches wide. Some have faint silver marks in summer. They have no hairs. The small flowers grow singly. Each has a shallow shape like a saucer. Their shades range from pale greenish yellow to cream or off-white. Each bloom is about an inch across or less. The source lists June through September as the bloom season.

Small berries follow the blooms. Fruit stays on show from August through October. Each fruit is the size of a marble. They turn dark purple, blue, or black. They taste very bitter, but birds and mammals eat them. Flowers draw bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. They give pollen to the passionflower bee, too. The vine hosts three kinds of butterflies. These are Gulf Fritillary, Zebra Heliconia, and Variegated Fritillary. Deer tend to leave it alone, which adds garden value.

Grow this vine in rich, moist soil that drains well. It accepts full sun, part shade, and some dry spells. Once settled in, plants may need little extra water or fertilizer. Plant early in the growing season to give young roots time to grow. It suits USDA zones 5–10. In cold areas, pots may need shelter indoors in winter. Train it on a fence or trellis, or let it trail. It suits pots and butterfly gardens, too. It also suits gardens grown for pollinators.

Passionflower flea beetles sometimes feed on this vine. Their damage does not often kill the plant. The source lists plant bugs and barnacle scale as possible pests. It lists the flowers as edible, but the leaves are poisonous. They contain cyanogenic glycosides, which pose a moderate risk of poisoning. Signs include severe nausea and vomiting. They also include drowsiness and an irregular heartbeat. These risks make it vital to tell edible flowers from toxic leaves.