Maryland Native Vine

Aristolochia macrophylla – Dutchman’s Pipe

Aristolochia macrophylla, also known as Dutchman’s Pipe is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. They are intolerant of dry soils and need protection against strong winds. Trim in late winter to control growth. Grows well from seed or cuttings. The small pipe-looking flowers emit an odor that attracts flies, which are the pollinators. Because the vine is only moderately resistant to deer, it is recommended to cage young plants in order to protect them until they’re established.

Dutchman’s Pipe leaves are up to 12 inches long and heart-shaped, smooth (not hairy, as in Aristolochia tomentosa), deep green, and silver-colored underneath. Due to the dense foliage, the flowers are usually inconspicuous. Small blossoms are yellow-greenish with brownish-purple lobes. The fruits are green capsules that turn gray to black when they mature. Overlapping and dense cloak of leaves can form a beautiful screen for a garden or porch wall. This plant has an extreme flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home.

Pipevine is the main larval food source for the pipevine swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor). Their caterpillars can devour all the leaves, but the defoliated vine will recover.

Be sure to check our weekly inventory as these plants may also be available in plugs!

Latin: Aristolochia macrophylla, Isotrema macrophyllum or Aristolochia durior

Common Name: Dutchman’s Pipe

Type: Vine

Family: Aristolochiaceae

Height: 15.00 to 36.00 feet

Spread: 15.00 to 20.00 feet

Bloom Time: May to June

Bloom Description: Yellow, green, purple

Sun: Full sun to part shade

Water: Medium to moist

Maintenance: Low

Flower: Insignificant

Tolerate: Black Walnut

Host Plant: Pipevine Swallowtail

(Information from Missouri Botanical Garden & North Carolina Extension)