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Name That Plant!

Bignonia capreolata (Cross-vine)

jekeesl (south-central Arkansas)

8 years ago

This native vine is common in the southeastern portion of the US. It is often found in bottomland forests. Cross-vine earned its common name from the cross-shaped pattern seen when the stems were cut. The vines have tendrils with claws at the tip, so they readily cling to, but do not twine around the host. The leaves are 2-5 inches long, opposite, and have auriculate bases. The vines prefer sun, so they usually flower in the tops of trees. Since the flowers are often more than 50 feet above the ground, they can be difficult to see. Flowers bloom April - May in Arkansas, are 2-3 inches long, and striking, as shown in the photo.

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Comments (4)

peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
8 years ago
I wish I could grow this beauty.
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
8 years ago
Gorgeous.
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ArborBluffGirl.....Thanks for your details re. the Crossvine. I actually quite like the look of it so it might be a choice between that and the Honeysuckle! However, in the end it will probably come down to which is the least rampant! LOL!!! Loris.....I am only just "discovering" the benefits of native plantings so am not to religious whether its native to the State or country! I am (unintentionally) looking at plants that are native to the State but there are also so many things that aren't! Oh the decisions!!! LOL! I have to admitt that I am leaning towards the Honeysuckle as I have always loved the thought of them but always thought they were SUPER invasive so have stayed clear!
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I'm in 6b and my Crossvine usually keeps it's leaves over the winter but they look kind of sick. They kind of shrivel a little too so it isn't realy evergreen. Then in Spring it regrows new nice looking leaves so if you need good cover all year it probably isn't the vine to choose. On the other hand when it blooms in the Spring it is spectacular and attracts hummingbirds!
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Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
8 years ago
That's a striking photo. Did you take it?
jekeesl (south-central Arkansas)
Original Author
8 years ago
Yes, all of the photos that I post are from local plants. I was lucky to find this one close to the ground, since it was growing on a young Juniperus virginiana specimen, instead of in the top of a large tree.

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