Trumpet Vine

Campsis radicans Seem.

CAMP-sis RAD-ah-cans

Bignoniaceae

Explanation of name: Campsis is Greek for curved, in reference to the curved stamens. Radicans means root-covered.

Natural range: North America, native to Florida

(There is a separate Asian species.)

Recognition: Fast-growing vine with opposite, pinnately compound, deciduous leaves, climbing by abundant adventitious roots. The trumpet-shaped orange or reddish flowers have nectaries on the outsides of the sepals.

Landscape uses: Especially prone to cover telephone poles and tree trunks, revealing flowers high above the ground. Skin contact may cause a rash in some people.

Propagates from root cuttings as well as from seeds and stem cuttings.