Aristolochia watsonii is a fascinating North American native Dutchman's pipe, hailing from dry, hot, rocky slopes in Arizona, New Mexico, and into northern Mexico. The long, hastate leaves clothe the wiry prostrate stems that expand out to 3'. When grown in sun, the foliage is a lovely bronze-purple, turning green in shade. Starting in summer, the small bronze bong-shaped flowers occur in the leaf axils. Watson's Dutchman's pipe is loved by both rock gardeners and pipevine swallowtails, although humans should not snack on the toxic foliage. Although incredibly drought tolerant, Aristolochia watsonii responds well to supplemental moisture. It also has a wide range of soil tolerances from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Medicinally, Aristolochia watsonii was used by Native Americans to treat snakebites, paralysis, malaria, impotence, intestinal worms, and assorted infections...more cures than all the late night television ads combined, and for a fraction of the price!
