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Virginia Dutchman's Pipe

Aristolochia serpentaria

Last reviewed: October 2026

Virginia Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia serpentaria)
Photo: John Abbot / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Virginia Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia serpentaria) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 3"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, butterflies

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central PlainsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal Plain

Serpentary is a low-growing native perennial with heart-shaped leaves that forms small clumps in shaded areas. It produces unusual small brownish flowers close to the ground in late spring and summer. This plant prefers partial shade and consistently moist soil conditions.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Virginia Dutchman's Pipe takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Flowers are inconspicuous and brownish, lacking ornamental appeal
  • Low growth habit may appear unfinished in formal settings
  • Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beetles with their unique scent and structure. As a native plant, it supports local ecosystem health and provides habitat for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Virginia Dutchman's Pipe need?
Virginia Dutchman's Pipe grows best in shade conditions.
When does Virginia Dutchman's Pipe bloom?
Virginia Dutchman's Pipe blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Virginia Dutchman's Pipe native?
Virginia Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia serpentaria) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Virginia Dutchman's Pipe attract?
Virginia Dutchman's Pipe draws bees, beetles, and butterflies.
Is Virginia Dutchman's Pipe HOA-friendly?
Virginia 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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