A woody, deciduous twining vine with large fuzzy leaves, Woolly Pipevine is a perfect vine to plant on an arbor or trellis to provide dense shade or screening. Woolly Pipevine is native to moist woods and thickets, so it prefers moist soil. Though often recognized for the small, brownish flowers that are reminiscent of a Dutchman’s pipe and bloom from March to May, the flowers are mostly hidden by the large, tomentose leaves. The flowers produce an oversweet scent that attracts flies to pollinate them.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade, but prefers full sun; prefers moist soil, and doesn’t tolerate dry soil conditions; needs sturdy support; best to prune during winter
Size: 20'-30’ tall, 4'-5’ wide
Zone: 5-8
Wildlife Value: Flowers are pollinated by flies; larval host to Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly
Photos: Samantha Nestory, Danielle Curley