Species Spotlight: Trumpet Vine

Trumpet Vine or Trumpet Creeper

Looks Like:            An aggressive climbing wood vine that 4 to 6 pairs of leaflets in its compound leaves. Leaves are ovate and serrated. Vines can grow up to 35 feet. Flowers are bright orange to red, waxy, and broadly trumpet shaped. Flowers can be 3 ½ inches long.

Lives In:                  Trumpet Vine are fairly drought tolerant, however, can be found on trees of moist woods, along fences, in residential gardens and along house sides.

Niche:                      The large, bright orange and red flowers attract a wide array of pollinators. The Ruby Throated Hummingbird is a common visitor to its flowers.

Threats:                  It is an aggressive growing plant; its rapid colonization is caused by its aerial roots that are able to cling onto any surface. It can grow dense and be a nuisance in gardens and out compete other plants.

Frequency:          Trumpet Vine is a common plant in the Shawangunks near residential areas, fences, and roadsides.

Reproduction:   Flowers will bloom in early summer through September. By fall, fruit develops in the form of pods that reach up to 6 inches in length.

Fun Fact:                Another name for Trumpet vine is Devil’s Shoestring, as this plant has invasive qualities and can be a nuisance at trying to remove.