Posted by
Debnes (Deep Burbs) on May 1, 2012 5:12 PM concerning plant:
This particular Aristolochia is very acceptable as a host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly. Many broods have been raised on it to adulthood for the last 6 years here just north of Fort Worth, TX. This qualification is extremely important because some species of Aristolochia, such as elegans and gigantea and many others are not safe to raise caterpillars. The female will oviposit on these, the eggs will hatch, and the cats may even get to their second or third instar, but they die way before they are mature enough to pupate. Quite possibly it is because the aristolochic acid is to strong in those varieties. This acid is why all Aristolochias are toxic to most animals and humans.
It is imperative to know which Pipevine one has before buying or planting. It has been documented that the Polydamas Swallowtail in South Texas and Florida can be raised to maturity on A elegans, as they can tolerate the stronger acid.
Sometimes caterpillars starting out on a certain host plant will not fancy switching midstream, that is unless they are switching to a more tender variety such a A fimbriata or the more tender growth of A macrophylla or A tomentosa. So, even though the latter 2 are safe if broods are begun on them, it is best they complete on them as well if possible.
Posted by
SongofJoy (Clarksville, TN - Zone 6b) on Jan 15, 2012 4:34 PM concerning plant:
Dutchman's Pipe is a common vine in moist southern Appalachian hardwood forests in coves and along stream banks where it easily twines 20 to 30 feet high. It has been popular as a porch screen for ages because it is fast-growing, has large heart-shaped leaves and odd little flowers. The 2", pale brownish purple flowers are pipe-shaped or s-shaped with a widely flaring triangular "mouth" perfect for catching flies. The curious-looking early summer flowers are borne sparsely among the wide leaves.
Try it on a trellis for screening or let it ramble among shrubs and trees. It likes good moist soil and can take either shade or sun.
It is also the host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly. The black butterfly caterpillars feed on leaves of Dutchman's Pipe and become poisonous to predators. Adult butterflies are a beautiful black and blue.
Posted by
imabirdnut (North Texas - Zone 7b) on Aug 18, 2012 8:59 AM concerning plant:
Needs moist fertile soil & support for vine. Part sun or shade. Woodland plant.
Posted by
ILPARW (southeast Pennsylvania - Zone 6b) on Jun 27, 2019 7:50 AM concerning plant:
This woody vine (liana) that climbs by twining stems has a native range from central New York, through western Pennsylvania to northern Georgia & Alabama, and has naturalized outside of that area, in rich woods and along stream banks. It tolerates deep full shade but can be grown in full sun. After establishing in a site, it grows fast of 4 to 6 feet/year. Its small pipe-shaped flowers are hidden among the leaves, so one really sees the large, about 12 inch wide, heart-shaped leaves. The flowers that are bisexual (having both stamen & pistils in each flower) and which have a ginger-like fragrance, become cylindrical cucumber-like capsules about 1.5 to 4 inches long that are green until they mature to become brown. The bark of the soft, porous weak wood is gray and smooth, becoming scaly. It has a shallow, lateral, fibrous root system and can be easily transplanted. I have not seen it sold at most conventional nurseries, but it is sold by a number of native plant nurseries.
