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Dutchman'S-Pipe

Isotrema macrophyllum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Dutchman'S-Pipe (Isotrema macrophyllum)
Photo: (c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

96"–240" H × 24"–72" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, CT, GA, KY and 9 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Dutchman'S-Pipe need?
Dutchman'S-Pipe grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Dutchman'S-Pipe bloom?
Dutchman'S-Pipe blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Dutchman'S-Pipe native?
Dutchman'S-Pipe (Isotrema macrophyllum) is native to AL, CT, GA, KY and 9 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Dutchman'S-Pipe attract?
Dutchman'S-Pipe draws bees and butterflies.
Is Dutchman'S-Pipe HOA-friendly?
Dutchman'S-Pipe takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Dutchman'S-Pipe? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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