Chocolate vine (akebi) Akebia quinata
Chocolate vine (akebi) (Akebia quinata) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Lardizabalaceae family, native to Japan, Korea and China. It grows 6–10 m (20–33 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -26 °C (-15 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
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Chocolate vine (akebi) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Lardizabalaceae |
| Mature height | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -26 °C (-15 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: fruit pulp, young shoots, fruit rind (cooked, in Japan) |
| Native to | Japan, Korea and China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
| Invasive in | eastern United States, New Zealand: check local rules before planting |
Is Chocolate vine (akebi) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; the sweet pulp is eaten in Japan, though the seeds are bitter.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Chocolate vine (akebi)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Chocolate vine (akebi)
- How far apart should I plant Chocolate vine (akebi)?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Chocolate vine (akebi) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Chocolate vine (akebi) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Chocolate vine (akebi)?
- It tolerates about -26 °C (-15 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Chocolate vine (akebi) flower?
- From about April for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Chocolate vine (akebi) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; the sweet pulp is eaten in Japan, though the seeds are bitter.
- What grows well with Chocolate vine (akebi)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Chocolate vine (akebi). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Five-fingered leaves and chocolate-purple, vanilla-scented flowers in spring; fruit needs a second clone for cross-pollination. Twines vigorously and smothers shrubs where it escapes.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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