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Moth Plant Araujia sericifera

Phonetic Spelling
ar-RAW-jee-uh ser-eh-SIFF-er-uh
This plant has medium severity poison characteristics.
See below
This plant is an invasive species in North Carolina
Description

Native to South America, Bladderflower can be found growing in grasslands, along creek banks, forest margins, roadsides, waste areas, and woodlands.  It will climb on any vegetation that will support its weight.  The dense growth habit will smother the supporting vegetation.  It is no longer cultivated for use as a garden ornamental.  In some worldwide locations, it has been banned from sale.  It is a common weed in citrus groves, and if not managed, can destroy crops and trees.  

Seeds from this wildflower are spread primarily by the wind.  

To promote an abundance of flowers, plant in full sun in a loam based soil.  It will grow in any fertile soil.  

During the winter months, keep this plant in a bright, cool location. It will germinate from seeds in 3 to 6 weeks. It prefers moderate, moist soil. This plant is grown as a tender annual or as a container plant in most zones.

Fibers from the stems are used in the manufacturing of textiles.

Pruning can be done after flowering has ended.

Emitting an odor considered foul to humans, the scent is attractive to night flying moths.  Seeking the nectar, the moths are drawn to the flowers, where they are trapped by their tongues until the next morning.  Some survive the ordeal, others don't.  The common names, Moth Vine, Moth Plant, and Common Moth Vine originates from this sticky pollen.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Glasshouse red spider mite can be an issue.  

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant#evergreen#fragrant flowers#white flowers#pink flowers#moth caterpillar host#frost tender#dappled shade#moist soil#disease resistant#fast growing#twining#weedy vine#vine#partial shade tolerant#problem for dogs#tropical#poisonous to livestock#weed#long lived#moth friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant#evergreen#fragrant flowers#white flowers#pink flowers#moth caterpillar host#frost tender#dappled shade#moist soil#disease resistant#fast growing#twining#weedy vine#vine#partial shade tolerant#problem for dogs#tropical#poisonous to livestock#weed#long lived#moth friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Araujia
    Species:
    sericifera
    Family:
    Apocynaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Ornamental
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Paraguay and Uruguay
    Wildlife Value:
    This plant attracts bees, moths and butterflies.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Climbing Method:
    Twining
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Vine
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Climbing
    Creeping
    Dense
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Blue
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Follicle
    Fruit Length:
    > 3 inches
    Fruit Width:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Description:
    This plant also has large, blue-green or gray-green grooved pods that attract moths. They can reach lengths of up to 5". The fruits will split open and release 1/4" seeds covered with long silky hairs.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Pink
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    This plant has fragrant, white or pale pink, waxy flowers from summer to fall. They may have pink streaks in the throat area. They form as clusters in the upper leaf forks.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    White
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Deltoid
    Oblong
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The upper surface of the leaves is dark green and typically hairless. The undersides are a lighter green to white and covered with dense hairs.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Zig Zags
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    The gray-green stems are climbing and twining vines. The vines have fine hairs and contains a sticky, milky sap.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Pond
    Slope/Bank
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Moths
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Diseases
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Invasive Species
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Dogs
    Weedy
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Medium
    Poison Symptoms:
    Skin irritation from the sap, difficulty breathing
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Grayanotoxin
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Leaves
    Sap/Juice
    Seeds