Aristolochia macrophylla – Dutchman’s Pipe
Host Plant – Pipevine Swallowtail
Culture
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers rich, moist soil. Intolerant of dry soils. Cut back in late winter to control growth. Grows well from seed.
Noteworthy Characteristics
This deciduous, woody, climbing vine is an eastern American native which typically occurs in the wild in rich, moist woods and along streams. Can rapidly grow to 20-30′. An old-fashioned favorite that is grown for its large, heart-shaped, densely overlapping leaves (6-12″ long) which can quickly cover an arbor or trellis with attractive, glossy, deep green foliage. Commonly called Dutchman’s pipe because the unusual, 2″ long, yellowish-green flowers (each flaring at the calyx mouth to form 3 brownish-purple lobes) superficially resemble Dutch smoking pipes. Although the flowers make interesting conversation pieces, they are usually hidden by the dense foliage and are somewhat inconspicuous.
Aristolochia tomentosa – Dutchman’s Pipe
Host Plant – Pipevine Swallowtail
Aristolochia tomentosa, commonly known as Wooly Pipevine, is a species of Dutchman’s pipe. It is a large, woody and twining vine native to the Midwest and Southeast. It can be found on stream banks, flood plains and bottomlands and is known to climb trees and shrubs, growing to a height of 20-30’ tall, making it an excellent choice for arbors, trellises and fences. The leaves of this species are quite large, heart-shaped and hairy. Aristolochia tomentosa is a larval plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly. All plants are grown without pesticides and are safe for developing larvae. Ships in 4.5″ perennial pot.