Crossvine
Crossvine photo by By Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0
Scientific Description: Crossvine – Bignonia capreolata – is a showy, climbing, woody vine reaching about 50 – 60 feet long with orange-red, trumpet shaped flowers reminiscent of trumpet vine. These flowers hang sometimes three to five per cluster. This vine is often found high in a tree held there by the adhesive pads on tendrils which can attach to rocks, bark, and fence posts without other means of support. The leaves are dark green in the summer and a darker green with purple veins in the winter.
This species is found from Florida westwards to eastern Texas and the northeast to Maryland, the Ohio Valley and West Virginia. It does best in zones six through nine; and since Chattanooga is in zone seven, it should grow well here.
It is naturally found in hedgerows, forested floodplains, hammocks and limestone escarpments. It prefers moist, well-drained soils, but its soil requirements are rather broad. While Crossvine can tolerate some shade conditions, it does best in full sun.
Habitat Value: Its large, pendulous flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds; they will spend several minutes checking each and every flower for nectar. Butterflies use it for the same nectar. Deer will browse this species in the winter when there is little green left to eat.
Propagation is often done using cuttings in the summer or autumn; however, seeds can be used. Collect the pods in mid-summer and either sow them on the ground later in the season or store the seeds in air-tight containers. The seeds will usually survive for about a year when stored in a refrigerator. The seeds need no treatment prior to planting in the spring.
This species is highly toxic to humans. It has no disease or insect problems and is rather forgiving of care.
Landscape Value: Bignonia capreolata, or Crossvine, is one of our most common native plants, whether you’re in the woods or in a garden. This southeastern native is among a handful of hardy evergreen vines readily available in the ornamental plant trade. A moderate grower, it will cover a trellis or arbor fast enough without taking over your whole yard. It also has one of the largest blooms of any of our native plants with a tropic orange/yellow seldom seen in southeastern natives. It will have the best foliage and blooms when in full sun, however it tolerates moderate shade. I have seen crossvine tolerate full afternoon western sun and look as happy as any plant in the garden. Its leaves turn redish purple in winter making it one of the best plants for year round interest. It attaches to supports with tiny adhesive disks so it will not damage masonry and timber structures like the non-native invasives English ivy and wisteria. There are multiple cultivars available that offer variations on bloom color. Finally, crossvine makes an excellent screen with its evergreen foliage and ability to grow in a narrow spaces.
By Matt Whitaker with WMWA Landscape Architecture
