Pipevine, Dutchman's Pipe
Aristolochia macrophylla
Family: Aristolochiaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Green, Purple, Yellow.Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Mid summer. Form: Spreading or horizontal.
Aristolochia macrophylla is a CLIMBER growing to 7 m (23ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 7
Where it is found
Moist, rich woodlands. Forests, often on dissected uplands and rugged, rocky slopes; Cumberland and Blue Ridge mountains at elevations of 50 - 1300 metres.
Eastern N. America - Pennsylvania to Minnesota, Georgia, Tennessee and Kansas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant contains the antiseptic and antitumor compound aristolochic acid. A decoction of the root has been used externally to treat 'swelling of feet and legs'. A compound infusion of stalk chips has been used in the treatment of 'yellowish urine'.
Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.
Antitumor: Preventing, or effective against, tumors, it is used in the treatment of cancer. Probably synonymous with Cytotoxic.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Arbor, Screen. Prefers a well-drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter, in sun or semi-shade, but succeeds in ordinary garden soil. Plants are hardy to at least -10°c. A fast-growing climbing plant, attaching itself by means of twining around other plants, it has been recommended for covering pergolas. Most species in this genus have malodorous flowers that are pollinated by flies. Special Features:Attracts birds, Attractive foliage, North American native, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Attracts butterflies, Attractive flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. Pre-soak stored seed for 48 hours in hand-hot water and surface sow in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 20°c. Stored seed germinates better if it is given 3 months cold stratification at 5°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Division in autumn. Root cuttings in winter.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;
Habit: Climber
Hardiness: 5-8
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
We have no specific details for this species but most members of this genus have poisonous roots and stems. The plant contains aristolochic acid, this has received rather mixed reports on its toxicity. According to one report aristolochic acid stimulates white blood cell activity and speeds the healing of wounds, but is also carcinogenic and damaging to the kidneys. Another report says that it is an active antitumour agent but is too toxic for clinical use. Another report says that aristolochic acid has anti-cancer properties and can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and that it also increases the cellular immunity and phagocytosis function of the phagocytic cells.