Bignonia spp.

crossvine

Bignoniaceae

Central and southeastern United States

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Drought Tolerant

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 6–9

Overview

Bignonia spp. is a genus in the trumpet-creeper family (Bignoniaceae); in current North American usage it is represented by the single species Bignonia capreolata, known as crossvine, while many plants once placed here have been moved to other genera. Crossvine is a woody, high-climbing evergreen to semi-evergreen vine that ascends 30-50 feet (9-15 m) by branched tendrils tipped with adhesive disks, allowing it to grip masonry and bark. The paired leaves each consist of two leaflets with a tendril between them, and the foliage often turns reddish-purple in cold weather. In mid to late spring the vine carries clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) long, orange-red outside and yellow within, followed by flattened bean-like seed capsules. A cut stem shows a cross-shaped pattern in the pith, which is the source of the common name. Bignonia spp. grows in moist woodlands and stream banks in the southeastern United States. The vigorous growth can climb high and cover supports densely, so it needs space and a sturdy structure.

Native Range

Native to the central and southeastern United States, in bottomland forests, swamp edges, fencerows, and along stream banks. Bignonia capreolata ranges from the Mid-Atlantic states south to Florida and west to Texas.

Suggested Uses

Grown on walls, fences, arbors, and large trellises for spring flowers and evergreen cover, and used to screen structures or clothe sturdy vertical supports. The flowers draw hummingbirds, and the dense growth gives nesting cover for birds.

How to Identify

Recognized by paired, two-part leaves with a branched tendril between the leaflets, the tendrils ending in small adhesive disks. Trumpet-shaped flowers about 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) long are orange-red on the outside and yellow inside, opening in spring. A cut stem reveals a clear cross in the pith, and the evergreen foliage often turns purple-bronze in winter.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height30' - 50'

Width/Spread6' - 9'

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring

Flowering peaks in mid to late spring, roughly April to May, with a scattering of later blooms through summer. The trumpet flowers are followed by long, flattened seed capsules. Bloom is heaviest on stems grown in full sun.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Orange-red with yellow throat

Foliage Description

Dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Bignonia spp. grows in full sun to partial shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soil, and tolerates clay and short dry spells once established. Flowering is fullest in full sun, while shaded plants climb strongly but bloom less. The vine clings to masonry, fences, and tree trunks by adhesive tendrils and needs sturdy support. It spreads by suckers and rooting stems, forming large colonies if unmanaged. Propagation is by seed, cuttings, or rooted layers.

Pruning

Pruning is done right after flowering to control size and direct growth, since flower buds form on older wood. Overgrown vines tolerate hard cutting back and resprout strongly. Suckers are removed to limit spread.

Pruning Schedule

late springsummer