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California dutchman's pipe
Scientific Name: Aristolochia californica
Family: Aristolochiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
California Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia californica)
The California Dutchman's Pipe, also known as the California Pipevine or simply Pipevine, is a fascinating native California plant.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is a vine.
Considerations for Children
- This plant is a vine.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Aristolochia californica
- Common Names: California Dutchman's Pipe, California Pipevine, Dutchman's Pipe, Pipevine
- Family: Aristolochiaceae
- Taxonomic Notes: The text mentions "Aristolochia californica Torr." as another name, which could indicate a prior classification or synonym.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to California and southwest Oregon.
- Found in river, stream side, and woodland habitats.
- Specifically mentioned locations include the northern California Coast Ranges and the foothills of California. Also mentioned Vincent, Alabama. Concord, California. and Encinitas, California. Rockville Hills Community Park, Fairfield, Solano County, California.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- Deciduous vine or shrub.
- Can grow to be a vine of about 8 feet or a scrambling specimen.
- Size: 10'h x 10'w
- Soft, heart-shaped leaves.
- Distinctive purple-striped, pipe- or S-shaped, purplish-brown flowers, about one inch in size, on a short stalk.
- Flowers emerge as early as January or February.
Ecological Role and Interactions
- Essential host plant for the California Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor hirsuta). The butterfly lays its eggs on the leaves, which serve as the sole food source for the larvae.
- The flowers have a foul smell that attracts flies for pollination.
- Yellow jackets and red squirrels have been observed carrying away the flower seeds from the pods.
Quirky Facts
- The plant's flowers are shaped like curved pipes, giving it its common name.
- It is one of the first plants to flower in northern California gardens, often blooming in January or February.
Additional Information
- Prefers part-shade and regular water.
- Can be used to cover mailbox posts, trellises, or fences.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Recommended for USDA zones, though specific zones aren't listed in the provided text.
Further Resources
- Dave's Garden (community forum)
- The PLANTS Database (USDA, NRCS)
- EBSCOhost (for articles)
- Steven Foster Photography (for stock photos)