Bignonia capreolata aka Crossvine

Bignonia capreolata, or crossvine, is a woody, perennial climbing vine. It belongs to the trumpetvine family, Bignoniaceae. Its native range covers central and eastern parts of the United States. In the wild, it climbs trees in wet woods and forests. The name crossvine refers to a cross-shaped pattern inside its stem. Garden plants reach 30–50 feet [9.1–15.2 metres] high. Their spread is about 6–9 feet [1.8–2.7 metres].

Branched tendrils help this fast-growing vine climb and hold onto surfaces. Small adhesive pads at their tips attach to walls. The gray-brown bark grows scaly and develops lengthwise cracks. Leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stems. Each compound leaf has two leaflets and a branched tendril. The dark green leaflets are glossy, with smooth edges. They reach about 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] long. Leaves stay green through winter in warmer parts of its range. Cold weather can turn them bronze-red or reddish-purple before they fall.

The fragrant flowers form small clusters of two to five. Each bloom has a tube that widens at the mouth. The outer surface ranges from reddish-brown to orange-red. Inside, the flowers show brighter orange or yellow tones. Bloom dates vary among the sources and growing regions. North Carolina guidance reports flowers from late winter into early spring. Missouri Botanical Garden gives May to June. The flowers draw hummingbirds and butterflies. Long, flat, brown capsules ripen in late summer. They hold many winged seeds.

Grow crossvine in soil that drains well and holds some moisture. It prefers soil rich in organic matter. Full sun gives the best bloom, though it also tolerates shade. Sources place it in USDA zones 5–9. Severe winters can kill stems down to ground level. Surviving roots may send up fresh shoots the next spring. A sheltered site and winter mulch help in colder areas. Prune after bloom when needed to limit its size.

Crossvine can cover fences, arbors, walls, and large trellises. It can also spread along the ground. Sources report few serious pest or disease problems. Its own spread can cause trouble through seeds and root suckers. Remove unwanted suckers to keep it within bounds. Deer and beavers eat the leaves. The plant has a high fire risk rating. Keep it outside the fire-safety zone around a home. Native Americans used it medicinally, but the evidence gives no edible use or clear toxicity assessment.