SafePlants

Aristolochia watsonii: Watson's Dutchman's Pipe

Aristolochia watsonii, commonly known as Watson's Dutchman's Pipe or Southwestern Pipevine, is a perennial plant with intriguing flowers and an interesting ecological role.

Considerations for Pets

• Several common names include "Snakeroot" and "Indian Root," which may historically suggest medicinal or other uses.

Considerations for Children

• Several common names include "Snakeroot" and "Indian Root," which may historically suggest medicinal or other uses.

Quirky Facts

• The plant's common name, Dutchman's Pipe, refers to the S-curved shape of its flowers, resembling a Sherlock Holmes pipe.
• The flowers are noted for their "fetid odor."

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Aristolochia watsonii Wooton & Standl.
• Common Names: Watson's Dutchman's Pipe, Southwestern Pipevine, Indian Root, Snakeroot
• Family: Aristolochiaceae (Birthwort Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonym: Aristolochia porphyrophylla Pfeifer

Distribution and Habitat

• Aristolochia watsonii is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
• Specifically, it grows along desert washes and in upland areas, such as around Tucson, Arizona.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is described as a dull-green, low-growing vine.
• It can grow as a ground cover.
• The stems of young plants are smooth and glabrous.
• Leaves have petioles that are 0.4-1 cm long.
• Leaf blades are lanceolate, up to 8 x 5 cm, with a strongly sagittate base and a sinus depth of 0.5-2 cm.

Ecological Role

• Aristolochia watsonii serves as a host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor). Caterpillars of this butterfly feed on the plant.