Dolichandra unguis-cati
catclaw vine
Mexico, Central America, and tropical South America
Overview
Dolichandra unguis-cati is a vigorous evergreen to semi-deciduous climbing vine reaching 20-50 feet (6-15 m) into trees by means of three-pronged, claw-like tendrils that grip bark and surfaces. Stems are slender and become woody with age, arising from a network of underground tubers. Leaves are opposite, each split into two glossy, pointed leaflets 1.2-3 inches (3-8 cm) long, with the central tendril between them. Bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long open in spring, often massed over the foliage, followed by long flat capsules 8-20 inches (20-50 cm) long that split to release winged seeds. The vine spreads by seed, by stems that root at the nodes, and by numerous tubers that resprout after the top is removed. It smothers ground, shrubs, and the canopy of tall trees, blocking light and pulling down branches. It grows along forest edges, creek banks, and disturbed ground and is listed as a serious environmental weed across eastern Australia.
Native Range
Dolichandra unguis-cati is native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and tropical South America, where it grows in seasonally dry forest and scrub. It has been planted as an ornamental in warm regions and has naturalised widely. In Australia it has spread through coastal and subtropical forests from Queensland to New South Wales, where it is regulated as an invasive weed.Suggested Uses
Dolichandra unguis-cati is no longer planted as an ornamental in Australia because of its weed status and is listed for control rather than cultivation. It was formerly grown on fences and pergolas for its yellow flowers in warm climates. Land managers target it for removal where it invades bushland, riverbanks, and remnant forest.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 50'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Bloom Information
Bright yellow trumpet flowers open in spring (September to November), sometimes in large numbers that cover the foliage. Flowering lasts about 3-5 weeks. Long flat capsules follow over summer and split to shed winged seeds carried on the wind.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-10 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