Dutchman'S-Pipe
Isotrema macrophyllum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
96"–240" H × 24"–72" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CT
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Big-leaf heartleaf is a vigorous native vine with enormous heart-shaped leaves that can reach over a foot wide. It produces unusual curved, pipe-shaped flowers in summer that are hidden beneath the foliage. This fast-growing climber needs sturdy support and can quickly cover large areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Dutchman'S-Pipe takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely vigorous growth can appear uncontrolled
- Very large leaves may look too wild for formal landscapes
- Can overwhelm structures and nearby plants
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and serve as the primary host plant for pipevine swallowtail butterfly caterpillars. The large leaves provide excellent cover for birds and small wildlife.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Dutchman'S-Pipe fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.