When it comes to adding color and vibrant wildlife to your landscapes, native vines are always a great choice. With their vigorous growth and beautiful blooms, these plants can transform any garden into a haven for hummingbirds and butterflies. Native vines also provide valuable food and shelter for a variety of wildlife species. From the pretty purple blooms of the Lonicera sempervirens to the delicate pink flowers of the Parthenocissus quinquefolia, there are plenty of options to choose from.
One of the most popular native vines is the Lonicera sempervirens, also known as the Trumpet Honeysuckle. This easy-to-grow vine can quickly climb up trellises, fences, and walls, adding a splash of color to any corner of your garden. The Trumpet Honeysuckle produces bright red and orange tubular flowers that are a favorite of hummingbirds. Another native vine to consider is the Parthenocissus quinquefolia, also known as the Virginia Creeper. This woody vine has pretty green foliage in the summer and stunning red leaves in the fall. It is often used to cover walls and fences.
For those looking for something more unique, the Cocculus carolinus or Carolina Snailseed vine is an excellent choice. This native vine produces clusters of small berries that turn dark blue in the fall. While the berries are poisonous to humans, they are a vital food source for birds. The Cocculus carolinus is a fast-growing vine that can quickly climb up trees and other structures. It is low-maintenance and ideal for adding winter interest to your garden.
If you are looking for a non-native vine to add to your garden, consider the Campsis radicans, also known as the Trumpet Vine. This vine has beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers that come in various shades of orange and red. The Campsis radicans is a fast-growing vine that can quickly cover fences and trellises. While it is not native to Colorado, it is a popular choice for its show-stopping blooms and ability to attract hummingbirds.
Whether you choose a native or non-native vine, these plants will bring life and beauty to your garden. Not only will they provide color and interest all year round, but they will also support local wildlife. Before making your final decision, be sure to research each vine’s specific needs and growing habits to ensure it will thrive in your garden. Happy planting!
Native Vines for Your Landscape
When it comes to adding botanical interest to your garden, native vines are a great choice. They not only provide beauty and fragrance but also support local ecosystems and wildlife. Here are some native vine options that you can consider for your landscape:
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| Vine | Description | Growing Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Pipevine | The pipevine, also known as dutchman’s pipe, is a native vine that attracts pipevine swallowtails with its unique flowers. It can climb on trellises or fences and prefers partial shade. | Partial shade to full sun |
| Hempvine | The hempvine is a native vine that grows about 6 feet in one season. It has bright green foliage and produces small, purple flowers. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. | Full sun, well-drained soil |
| Trumpet Creeper | Trumpet creeper, or trumpet vine, is a native vine that produces vibrant orange-red trumpet-shaped flowers. It is a popular choice for hummingbirds and grows well in full sun. | Full sun |
| Virginia Creeper | Virginia creeper is a native vine that has beautiful green-to-red foliage in the fall. Its blue-black berries attract birds, and it can climb various surfaces. | Sun to shade |
| Coral Honeysuckle | The coral honeysuckle is a native vine that produces clusters of tubular flowers in vibrant red. It is a favorite of hummingbirds and can be grown in full sun to partial shade. | Full sun to part shade |
| Wisteria | While some wisteria species are non-native and can be invasive, the American wisteria is a native vine that is well-behaved. It has beautiful clusters of purple flowers and grows best in full sun. | Full sun |
These native vines will not only beautify your landscape but also provide habitat and food for wildlife. Whether you’re looking for colorful blooms, attractive foliage, or both, there’s a native vine that will suit your needs. Visit our upcoming events page to find out more about native vine offerings and learn about their handling and care.
Ampelaster carolinianus Climbing Aster
Ampelaster carolinianus, also known as Climbing Aster, is a native vine found throughout North Carolina and Virginia. This vine is a favorite in many landscapes due to its delicate and colorful foliage.
The Climbing Aster is a non-native vine that grows rapidly and can reach heights of 30 feet or more. Its blue or purple trumpet-shaped flowers add a splash of color to any garden.
Unlike some other native vines, such as Campsis radicans (Trumpet Creeper) or Mikania scandens (Virgin’s Bower), the Climbing Aster does not climb using tendrils or other appendages. Instead, it climbs by twining its stems around nearby support structures.
The Climbing Aster is not poisonous, unlike some other native vines like Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine) or Calystegia macrophylla (Bigleaf False Bindweed). This makes it a safe and popular choice for landscapes.
If you decide to include the Climbing Aster in your garden, be sure to provide a sturdy support structure. This vine can become quite heavy as it grows and matures.
The Climbing Aster prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand hot and dry conditions. However, regular watering is recommended for optimal growth and bloom.
During your visit to Wild About Natives, be sure to check out the Climbing Aster and other native vines for your garden. They add beauty and color to the landscape while providing important resources for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Aristolochia macrophylla Lam Pipevine
The Aristolochia macrophylla Lam, also known as Pipevine, is a native vine that is commonly found in North America. It is a climbing plant that can reach up to 30 feet in height and is often grown on trellises or other support structures.
Pipevine is a woody vine that has attractive heart-shaped leaves and clusters of unusual flowers. The flowers of Aristolochia macrophylla Lam are trumpet-shaped and are typically dark purple in color. They are often pollinated by hummingbirds, which are drawn to the vibrant color and sweet nectar. The vine blooms in late spring or early summer.
One of the key benefits of using native vines like Pipevine in your landscape is that they are well adapted to the local climate and require minimal maintenance. Native vines also provide important habitat for wildlife, including birds and butterflies. They are a valuable source of food and shelter, especially during the winter months when other food sources may be scarce.
While Aristolochia macrophylla Lam is a native vine, it is important to note that not all vines with similar names are native. There are non-native species, such as Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and English ivy (Hedera helix), that can be invasive and outcompete native plants. It is always best to learn about the specific characteristics of a vine before planting it in your garden.
In addition to Pipevine, there are several other native vines that can be used in the garden. Some examples include Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), crossvine (Bignonia capreolata), and trumpet vine (Campsis radicans). These vines offer a variety of colors, including red, coral, and orange, and can add beauty and interest to any landscape.
If you are interested in incorporating native vines into your garden, it is recommended to consult with a local botanic garden or nursery. They can provide valuable information on which vines are native to your area and how to properly care for them. Native vines can be a wonderful addition to any garden, providing beauty, wildlife habitat, and a sense of place.
Bignonia capreolata L Crossvine
The Bignonia capreolata L Crossvine, also known as the crossvine, is a native vine that gardeners love to have in their gardens. This vine is a member of the Bignoniaceae family, which also includes other native vines like trumpetflower (Campsis radicans) and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia).
The crossvine is well-liked for its bright and pretty trumpet-shaped flowers that come in colors ranging from orange to red with yellow throats. These vibrant flowers attract hummingbirds, making it a favorite plant for bird enthusiasts. The crossvine is sometimes called “honeysuckle on steroids” due to its similar appearance to honeysuckle vines.
This native vine is a strong grower and can reach a height of 50 feet, making it an excellent choice for covering trellises or other vertical structures. The crossvine grows well in full sun to partial shade, although it performs best with at least six hours of direct sunlight. It is a tough plant that can withstand drought conditions once established.
This vine has some similarities to non-native vines like wisteria (Wisteria spp.) and trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), but there are also distinct differences. The crossvine has compound leaves with two oval leaflets and a single terminal tendril, while wisteria and trumpet vine have compound leaves with multiple leaflets. Additionally, the crossvine does not produce the woody pods that wisteria and trumpet vine are known for.
Unlike some other members of the Bignoniaceae family, the crossvine is not poisonous. This makes it a safer option for households with children or pets. However, it is still important to note that the crossvine is a vining plant and will need some support, like a trellis or arbor, to help it grow and spread.
The crossvine is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in North Carolina and Georgia. It can also be found across the eastern parts of Texas and Arkansas. In the wild, it is often seen growing along forest edges and in open woodlands. The crossvine is a great choice for gardeners who want to add a touch of wild exuberance to their landscapes.
If you are looking for a native vine that attracts hummingbirds and adds a vibrant splash of color to your garden, the Bignonia capreolata L Crossvine is worth considering. Its beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers and vigorous growth make it a popular choice among both experienced and amateur gardeners.
For more information about the crossvine and other native vines, visit Wild About Natives Native Vines, a reliable source for plant enthusiasts.
