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Skunk Vine

Paederia foetida
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Paederia foetida (Skunk Vine) — botanical photograph
Pl. 4ACC — Paederia foetida
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I

Overview

Skunk Vine, scientifically known as Paederia foetida, is a vine and shrub native to a wide range of regions including the Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, Borneo, Cambodia, China (North-Central, South-Central, Southeast), East Himalaya, Hainan, India, Japan, and other parts of Asia. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 6-12, growing up to 4 meters tall. Skunk Vine is known for its distinctive, strong, and unpleasant odor, which has given it its common name. The leaves and stems are edible and are often prepared by cooking or drying, making them a part of local cuisines in some areas. Additionally, Skunk Vine has utility in essential oil production and can serve as a natural pest control agent. However, it is important to note that Skunk Vine has the potential to be invasive in certain areas, making it a weed in some regions.

Quick answers

What is Skunk Vine?

Skunk Vine, scientifically known as Paederia foetida, is a vine and shrub native to a wide range of regions including the Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, Borneo, Cambodia, China (North-Central, South-Central, Southeast), East Himalaya, Hainan, India, Japan, and other parts of Asia.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Skunk Vine thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-12 and can grow up to 4 meters tall as a vine or shrub. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist, and provide ample sunlight. Propagation can be done through stem cuttings. This plant is native to a wide range of regions in Asia and is known for its edible leaves and stems.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-12
Habit
Vine, Shrub
Mature size
4.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Skunk Vine for the first time

8steps

Start with a simple, low-maintenance vine that can thrive in various conditions.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers, and gardening gloves.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant Skunk Vine during spring when the weather is warm and stable.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a well-draining potting mix suitable for vines. Ensure your container has drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds in containers, covering them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist until germination.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist and place the container in a partially shaded area to protect young plants.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun or partial shade, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Prune occasionally for shape.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune regularly to maintain size and encourage new growth. Harvest leaves and stems as needed for culinary use.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough support, neglecting pruning.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesStem
Edible uses: The skunk vine is edible and its leaves and stems can be consumed. Typically, the young shoots and tender leaves are prepared by either cooking or drying.
Other uses:Essential OilFiberPest control
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

32 native · 9 introduced
Distribution across4 continents· 32 native· 9 introduced
Asia14 regions
native (14)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaJapanLaosMyanmarNepalPhilippinesSouth KoreaSri LankaTaiwanThailandVietnam
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Mauritius
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)New Caledonia
Broader regions
native:Andaman Is., Borneo, East Himalaya, Hainan, Jawa, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, Nansei-shoto, Nicobar Is., Ogasawara-shoto, South China Sea, Sulawesi, Sumatera
introduced:Bismarck Archipelago, Christmas I., Florida, Marianas, North Carolina, Réunion
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Paederia foetida (Skunk Vine) — botanical photograph
Skunk Vine (Paederia foetida)
XI

Explore further

Companion planting
Growing zone
XII

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