Isotrema macrophyllum

Product Info

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-June
Leaves: 10-12” heart shaped leaves are highly attractive and dense
Height: 15-40’
Space: 5-10’
Soil: Moist-Average
Exposure:  Part sun-Part shade-Shade
Fauna: Fly pollinated, host to Pipevine Swallowtail, dense foliage provides cover
Seeds:  Large elliptical capsule with hard, flat, stacked seeds
Deer Resistance: High
Zone: 4-8
Native Status:NC native, common in the Mountains
Provenance: NC, seed grown