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Antigonon leptopus Hook. & Arn.
Coral Vine
Queen's Jewels
Not native to Florida
Invasive exotics that have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species.
Planting this species should be avoided and removal of existing plants may be desirable.
This sprawling or climbing vine is native to the coastal regions of Mexico. It can now be found throughout much of the peninsula plus scattered counties in north Florida and the panhandle. Also introduced in the southeastern coastal states from South Carolina into Texas. Now present in many warmer regions around the world.
This vine has long branching stems with tendrils. The stems are angular and may be glabrous or sparsely to densley covered with a brownish to reddish pubescence. Leaves are cordate with prominent veins and a sinus about as long as the petiole, which has a very short (up to 2mm) sheath (ocrea) at the base. The inflorescence is a panicle 4-20cm (1-1/2 to 8 in.) long with pink or sometimes white flowers clustered along the rachis. The flowers have ovate to elliptic tepals with entire margins and an acute apex.
Antigonon leptopus is a member of the Polygonaceae - Buckwheat family.
Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants (Institute for Systemic Botany) profile for this species
iNaturalist profile for this species
USDA Plant Profile for this species
Date record last modified: Jan 16, 2026
