ARISTOLOCHIA. Pipevine, Dutchman’s pipe. Widespread. An immense group (about 300 species) of herbaceous and woody plants, many of them vines, scattered over much of the globe. They have lobed or unlobed, often heart-shaped (as in the following), sometimes huge leaves. Their most distinctive feature, however, is their tubular flowers, often pinched at the sides and bent up like an old-fashioned pipe, with cupped to spreading “faces” at the tips. As if the form were not sufficient novelty, they are often spotted or striped with odd browns and purples. All in all, they look little like the conventional image of a flower. Sometimes the seed capsules are also decorative. Unfortunately, many species are too tropical for outdoor culture here. The following include one clear exception and one “maybe”. Sun or light shade, reasonably well drained soil, moderate to regular watering. Hardy as described below.
californica. California pipevine. This native of woods and streamsides is both a curiosity and an attractive ornamental vine. It grows 6-10' tall, sometimes more, and has profusely branched stems, making a dense cover. The leaves are roughly heart-shaped, up to 6” long and softly furry. Among them hang many pipe-shaped flowers 1-2" long, first displayed on bare stems in late winter. The flowers are light green without, veined with purplish red within. There is often a scattering of flowers much of the year. Our material should be hardy to 10oF or less.