Woolly Dutchman's-pipe
Aristolochia tomentosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Aristolochia tomentosa is a native climbing vine found throughout the southeastern and midwestern United States. It produces distinctive curved purple-brown flowers in late spring and early summer.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
240"–600" H × 120"–360" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 13 more states
Pollinators
flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Woolly dutchman's-pipe is a vigorous native climbing vine that can reach 20-50 feet in height with heart-shaped leaves and unusual curved, pipe-shaped flowers in late spring. This deciduous vine provides excellent coverage for fences, arbors, or trellises in partially shaded areas. It requires sturdy support structures due to its substantial size and weight.
Growing Woolly Dutchman's-pipe
Grow Woolly Dutchman's-pipe in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 600 inches tall and spread 120 to 360 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Woolly 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 large size can appear overgrown
- May look bare and untidy in winter
- Requires constant management to prevent overwhelming structures
Wildlife value
Host plant for pipevine swallowtail butterfly.
This vine attracts flies for pollination with its unique tubular flowers. It serves as the primary host plant for pipevine swallowtail butterfly caterpillars, making it valuable for supporting this native butterfly species.
Common questions
- Where is Woolly Dutchman's-pipe native?
- Aristolochia tomentosa is native to much of the southeastern and midwestern United States, including states from Florida and Texas north to Illinois and New York.
- When does Woolly Dutchman's-pipe bloom?
- This native vine typically flowers in May and June, producing its characteristic pipe-shaped blooms in late spring to early summer.
- What pollinates Aristolochia tomentosa?
- Woolly Dutchman's-pipe flowers are primarily pollinated by flies, which are attracted to the plant's unique tubular blooms.
- What growing conditions does this vine prefer?
- Aristolochia tomentosa thrives in partial shade to shade with consistent moisture, making it well-suited for woodland gardens and naturalized areas.
- Is Woolly Dutchman's-pipe HOA-friendly?
- Woolly 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Woolly 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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