Anredera baselloides: The Beautiful But Dangerous Madeira Vine
Sometimes the most gorgeous plants can be the biggest troublemakers in the garden world. Meet Anredera baselloides, commonly known as Madeira vine, mignonette vine, or lamb’s tail – a South American climbing vine that might look tempting with its heart-shaped leaves and fragrant white flowers, but comes with a serious warning label.
What is Madeira Vine?
Anredera baselloides (also known by its synonym Boussingaultia baselloides) is a vigorous perennial climbing vine native to South America, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. This fast-growing plant can reach heights of 20 feet or more, creating dense coverage wherever it grows.
The vine produces attractive heart-shaped, succulent-like leaves and clusters of small, fragrant white flowers that bloom in autumn. While it might seem like the perfect solution for covering unsightly fences or structures, this plant has earned a notorious reputation far beyond its native range.
Geographic Distribution and Invasive Status
Originally from South America, Madeira vine has spread to many other regions around the world where it has become a serious ecological problem. It’s considered highly invasive in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the United States, particularly in warmer climates.
Why You Should NOT Plant Madeira Vine
Warning: This plant is highly invasive and should not be planted! Here’s why Anredera baselloides is such a problem:
- Extremely aggressive growth that smothers native vegetation
- Produces underground tubers and aerial bulbils that make it nearly impossible to eradicate
- Can regrow from tiny plant fragments, making removal extremely difficult
- Forms dense mats that exclude native plants and disrupt local ecosystems
- Classified as a noxious weed in many jurisdictions
Growing Conditions (For Identification Purposes Only)
Understanding how this plant grows can help you identify and remove it if it appears in your garden:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11, though it may survive brief cold snaps
- Growing conditions: Extremely adaptable – thrives in full sun to partial shade
- Soil requirements: Tolerates various soil types and becomes drought-tolerant once established
- Growth rate: Alarmingly fast – can grow several feet in a single season
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of planting this invasive vine, consider these native climbing plants that can provide similar coverage and beauty:
- American groundnut (Apios americana) – native vine with fragrant flowers
- Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) – native climber with showy orange-red flowers
- Wild grape (Vitis species) – provides food for wildlife and autumn color
- Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata) – evergreen native with trumpet-shaped flowers
If You Find It In Your Garden
If you discover Madeira vine on your property, act quickly:
- Contact your local extension office or invasive species organization for removal advice
- Never compost this plant – dispose of all plant material in municipal waste
- Be prepared for multiple removal sessions, as it regrows from underground tubers
- Consider professional removal for large infestations
The Bottom Line
While Anredera baselloides might seem attractive for quick coverage and lovely autumn blooms, its invasive nature makes it a gardening nightmare. This vigorous vine can quickly escape cultivation and wreak havoc on local ecosystems. Instead of taking the risk, choose native climbing plants that will provide beauty without the environmental consequences. Your local ecosystem – and your neighbors – will thank you for making the responsible choice!
