Aristolochia californica

Common Name:
Dutchman's pipe
Plant Type:
Deciduous vine
Family:
Aristolochiaceae (The Birthwort Family)
Geographic Origin:
California
California Native?:
Yes

Plant Size:
To 6-10 feet
Landscape/Garden Uses:
walls and fences
Flowering Season:
Summer

Flower Color:
Green
Exposure:
Light shade
Soils:
Most soils

Suggested Irrigation:
Moderate watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 10 degrees F. or less

This native of woods and streamsides is both a curiosity and an attractive ornamental vine. It grows 6-10 feet tall, sometimes more, and has profusely branched stems, making a dense cover. The leaves are roughly heart-shaped, up to 6 inches long and softly furry. Among them hang many pipe-shaped flowers 1-2 inches 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.