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.
