In-Depth Description
Aristolochia macrophylla (and Aristolochia tomentosa) are both eastern North American natives. Vines are capable of scrambling 20-40’ and produce woody stems with maturity. While it is a vigorous grower, it is refined in habit in that it does not pull down its support or grow into it. Hence, it is often grown as a living shade curtain on verandas and porches, trained up strings or lattice wherever shade and privacy are desired. Its 6-12” wide, glossy green leaves orient themselves toward the sunlight providing an elegant and cool screen. It is a larval host plant for Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies, Battus philenor, as the caterpillars of the species feed strictly on Aristolochia species. Consuming the plant renders the caterpillars poisonous to any would-be consumer.
