WSU Clark County Extension
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Trumpet Creeper

Scientific name: Campsis radicans
Taxonomy
Family:Bignoniaceae
Type:Vines
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:6 to 10
Sun:Full sun
Plant Characteristics
Height:40 ft
Width:10 ft
Bloom:Summer flowers
Bloom Time:May to September
Bloom Color:Orange
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Trumpet vine is a vigorous clinging vine that can be used to cover a trellis or fence, or as a screen for rock piles on the ground. It should be viewed as somewhat invasive, however, with its ability to climb and spread so quickly.

  Morphology:
This is a deciduous vine that can easily reach a height and length of over 40’ if left un-checked. It bears opposite leaves, which are pinnatley compound, composed with 7-11 leaflets, with each leaf 4”-12” in length and covering the vine in a thick mantel of bright green leaves. Leaflets are born on red stems.

Showy yellow-orange to red trumpet-shaped flowers appear in the summer all through into the fall. These flowers can attain a length of 3”-4”. Trumpet creeper is one of the best plants for attracting hummingbirds, as it produces prodigious amounts of nectar. Flowers morph into seed capsules which are 4”-8” long, which often hang on during the winter.

The vine's aerial roots attach tightly to surfaces. Once the vine climbs to a certain height it grows horizontal branches that reach away from the support in a quest for light and space.

  Adaptation:
This vine easily grows all through out North America. In wild areas of the east Coast it has been found to be invasive in woodland garden and natural areas. Here in the Northwest thankfully this has not been the case. Be careful with growing trumpet vine near structures with painted surfaces as this vine has an adhesive substance that can cling tightly to the surface and spoil the finish.

  Pests:
None
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234