Characteristics:

Dutchman’s pipe is a deciduous vine, climbing 12-35 ft. by means of twining stems. Fast-growing, green stems bear large (6-12 in.), heart-shaped leaves, dark-green above and pale-gray beneath. Flowers occur singly or 2-3 per cluster and are pipe-shaped, mottled green and burgundy, with yellow tubes. Cylindrical, cucumber-like capsules, 3-4 in. long, stay green most of the summer eventually ripening to gray or black.

Duchman’s pipe prefers rich mountain woods, mesic woodlands, banks of streams. The strong, pungent odor of its flowers attracts flies, probably carrion flies, and the modified perianth and hairs inside the floral tube trap the insect; soon the hairs wither and release the fly, covered in pollen. They also attract butterflies and act as a larval host for Pipevine Swallowtail.

Pruning:

As needed, when dormant.

Medicinal Properties: 

Flowers of this genus were once used as an aid in childbirth, since they were thought to resemble a human fetus. The Cherokee were rumored to use an infusion of roots topically to treat swelling in the extremities.

Etymology:

Aristolochia comes from the Greek aristos meaning “best” or, originally, “most fitting” and lochia which means “delivery.” This is due to its original use to expel the placenta after childbirth. Macrophylla is also from Greek, where macros means “long, large” and phylo meaning “leaf.”

Aristolochia macrophylla

Duchman’s Pipe

Family: Aristolochiaceae

Type: Perennial

Height: Vine, 12’ - 36’  

Bloom: Mottled green & burgundy, beige, May-June

Water: Medium

Sunlight: Part shade

Drought tolerance: low

Cold tolerant: yes

Propagation: Increase by layering, division, July cuttings, or by seed sown outdoor in fall

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