Common Name: Trumpet Vine

General Information

Campsis radicans is a deciduous climbing shrub that can grow up to 12 metres tall. It produces aerial roots that enable it to become attached to various surfaces, including walls and the trunks of trees. Once the vine climbs to a certain height it grows horizontal branches that reach away from the support in a quest for light and space[]. In regions with mild winters the plant can become evergreen[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is often grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a vigorous ground cover.

Known Hazards

There have been isolated cases reported of people suffering from dermatitis after handling the leaves[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Central and eastern N. America - North Dakota to Maine, south to Texas and Florida

Habitat

Low woods and thickets[]. An aggressive weed of arable fields[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Climber
Height	12.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Humming birds, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A very ornamental plant[], it is hardy to about -20°c when dormant according to some reports, though it requires hot summers if it is to grow really well and ripen is seed[, , ]. Another report says that the plant is not hardy in all parts of Britain, but that it succeeds outdoors in more open positions such as a pergola or an old tree in the southern part of England[].
Easily grown in most soils[]. Succeeds whan growing against a warm wall in a good loamy soil[] in full sun[] or light shade[]. Plants do not flower so well when growing in a shady position[]. Plants can become rampant when growing in rich soils[]. A good plant for hot, dry sites[].
There are some named forms selected for their ornamental value[].
When grown in areas with cool summers, the plants require the extra warmth of a sunny wall in order to induce better flowering[].
Plants are self-clinging by aerial roots like ivy but are best if given some support[, ].
Flowers are produced on the current year's growth, so any pruning is best carried out in the spring[, ].
This is an extremely aggressive plant which grows rampantly, suckers profusely from underground runners, and freely self-seeds. When growing in suitable climates it will quickly form impenetrable colonies which can choke out many plants that get in its way[].
The seed only ripens outdoors in Britain in hot summers[].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The root is diaphoretic and vulnerary[, ].

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants can be used as a vigorous ground cover plant in a sunny position[]. They can be allowed to scramble on the ground and will form an effective ground cover, rooting at intervals along the branches[]. They can be used in larger, open spaces to cover objects such as old tree stumps or rock piles[]. They should be planted about 250cm apart each way[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse at 10°c. Two months stratification at 5°c assists germination[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of almost ripe wood, 7 - 10cm long, mid summer in a frame. Slow to root but a fair percentage[, ].
Root cuttings 5cm long in December. Fair to good percentage[].
Suckers, removed in the dormant season.