With its bright red horn-shaped flowers, trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is easy to spot

July 6, 2020

With its bright red horn-shaped flowers, trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is easy to spot. This showy vine is native to the eastern U.S., but it has also been naturalized in the western part of the country.

Trumpet vine is popular with gardeners since it's easy to grow and attracts hummingbirds. It doesn't need a great deal of water or particularly fertile soil to thrive, and it will send out dozens of tendrils that grab onto any available surface, making it easy to shape.

Of course, if you're a regular reader of these nature updates, you probably already see the downside coming: if something is easy to grow, it's also hard to kill, and trumpet vine can quickly overwhelm and strangle the other plants in your garden. If you decide to grow trumpet vine, be aware that it requires vigilant pruning. Outside of its native range, trumpet vine has the potential to be an invasive species. While it's a lot more attractive than kudzu, keeping trumpet vine in your garden may not be worth the risk. #BenInNature

This post brought to you by VMNH Corporate Supporter The Lester Group.

ABOUT THIS POST
Social distancing can be difficult, but it presents a great opportunity to become reacquainted with nature. While he is working from home, Administrator of Science Ben Williams is venturing outdoors each day to record a snapshot of the unique sights that can be found in the natural world.

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