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The Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla) is a deciduous, woody vine found in the eastern U.S. It contains large, green, heart-shaped leaves and is arranged in small pipes that are reddish-brown. Its dense foliage acts as a source of shade and a home for pollinators. According to Missouri Botanical Garden reports, this vine can grow up to 30 feet, and it prefers to grow in USDA hardiness zones from 4 to 8. It does best in soil that is moist and well-drained, and it needs to be planted in partial to full shade. This plant is attractive to Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies and is usually placed on fences, bowers or trellises for privacy.
| Characteristic | Description |
| Scientific Name | Aristolochia macrophylla |
| Common Name | Dutchman’s Pipe |
| Size | Vigorous deciduous vine that can grow 20 to 30 feet in length with support. |
| Appearance | Large, heart-shaped leaves that provide dense foliage; unusual pipe-shaped flowers are greenish-yellow with a purple-brown interior. |
| Spines | No spines; climbs using twining stems. |
| Flowers | Unique pipe- or trumpet-shaped flowers appear in late spring to early summer; often hidden among leaves. |
| Fruits | Capsule-like fruits that dry and split open to release seeds. |
| Root System | Fibrous root system; well-suited to moist, well-drained soils. |
| Lifespan | Perennial; long-lived vine when planted in ideal conditions. |
| Habitat | Native to the eastern United States; prefers temperate climates with partial to full shade. |
| Water Storage | Does not store water; requires regular watering to thrive, especially in dry conditions. |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to fast-growing under optimal moisture and light conditions. |
| Flowering Time | Blooms from late spring through early summer. |
| Reproduction | Reproduces by seeds and root division; seeds are wind-dispersed once capsules split. |
Table of Contents
Can Dutchman’s Pipe Vine Be Grown As a Tree?
No, Dutchman’s Pipe is a vine that climbs, but it is not a tree. It is necessary to support it with trellises or fences for it to grow upward. When there is no support, it remains close to the ground and never has a tree structure.
How Do You Cut Segments of Dutchman’s Pipe?
Cut about 6 inches below a node with sterilised shears. Cut off the bottom leaves, so that 1–2 remain near the top of the stem. Set your houseplant in soil that is lightly moist and not too wet, and place it in a spot where it gets some shade. The rooting process usually takes between 4 and 6 weeks. Make sure humidity is high and keep your seeds away from direct sunlight during rooting.
Is Dutchman’s Pipe a Carnivorous Plant?
No, Dutchman’s Pipe isn’t a carnivorous plant. The plant captures insects in its flowers for a short time to help with pollination, but doesn’t eat them. Pollination takes place, but the insects are not able to absorb food from the plant.
Is Dutchman’s Pipe Invasive?
Yes, Dutchman’s Pipe can become invasive. It spreads aggressively by seed and underground stems, displacing native plants. Regular pruning and monitoring are needed in some areas to control its growth and spread.
What Plants Look Similar to Dutchman’s Pipe?
Dutchman’s Pipe looks very similar to both the Pelican Flower and the Calico Flower. Their flowering parts are pipe-like, and they are part of the Aristolochia genus. Their leaves are much the same, and they both climb, creating a similar look in gardens and across nature.
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