Dutchman's-pipe (Isotrema macrophyllum)Birthwort Family Large,dense, heart-shaped leaves can reach up to 1’ long and make an excellent screen. Twining vines need something to climb on to get started, but old runners become woody and provide support for younger shoots. Plants can grow up wires, trees, or large arbors. Flowers are attractive, but very inconspicuous among the dense foliage. Flowers have a distinct odor that makes them attractive to their main pollinator–flies. This species will grow best in rich, moist soil in part shade, but is fairly adaptable to more average garden conditions. Toxic foliage is eaten by the Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillar, which then becomes toxic itself. This species has large leaves and is less prone to suckering than Isotrema tomentosa. Blooms: Yellow/purple, 3-4 weeks, May-JuneLeaves: 10-12” heart shaped leaves are highly attractive and denseHeight: 15-40’ Space: 5-10’Soil: Moist-AverageExposure: Part sun-Part shade-ShadeFauna: Fly pollinated, host to Pipevine Swallowtail, dense foliage provides coverSeeds: Large elliptical capsule with hard, flat, stacked seedsDeer Resistance: HighZone: 4-8Native Status:NC native, common in the MountainsProvenance: NC, seed grown
