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Fothergilla gardenii Witch Alder
Fothergilla gardenii (Witch Alder). Photo © Mary Free
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Bignonia capreolata (Cross-vine)

Bignonia capreolata vine
Bignonia capreolata flowers
Bignonia capreolata leaves
Bignonia capreolata flower buds
Bignonia capreolata flowers
Bignonia capreolata (Cross-vine) flowers in May.
Bignonia capreolata climbing vine
Twining tendrils of native Bignonia capreolata
Bignonia capreolata leaves

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Bignonia capreolata Tried and True Native Plant Selections Cross-vine for the Mid-Atlantic This semi-evergreen vine can cling to stone, brick, and wood without support. Found in forests and along roadsides mainly in the South,* its showy, two-tone flowers are an early nectar source for butterflies and hummers. Cross-vine refers to the cross-shaped pattern of the cut stem. Vine Flowers on Supported Vines and Close-ups Height: 30–45 feet Spread: 6–9 feet Bloom Color: Reddish, orange, yellow Characteristics Climbing, woody, semi-evergreen vine Climbs by means of clinging, tendrils, and twining Opposite, dark green, compound leaves: paired lanceolate leaflets w/ branched tendril inbetween Fragrant, trumpet-like flowers—each red to orange corolla with 5 shallow lobes, sometimes yellow, curling backward—in clusters of 2–5 May to June Flat, green fruit capsules mature to brown August to October Reddish-purple foliage in fall persists into winter Spreads rapidly by root suckers; can run rampant Attributes Tolerates shade, drought, brief flooding; no serious pests or diseases; deer seldom severely damage Ethnobotanic uses Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and mammals Growing and Maintenance Tips Excellent Replacement for Soil Requirements: Average, well-drained Akebia quinata - Chocolate Vine Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Celastrus orbiculatus - Oriental Bittersweet Water Requirements: Dry, Moist, Wet Clematis terniflora - Sweet Autumn Clematis Flowers best in sun; after bloom, prune if needed Jasminum dichotomum - Jasmine Cut root suckers to control aggressive growth Lonicera japonica - Japanese Honeysuckle Use as climber on arbors and fences (it will climb any structure it encounters) or as a ground cover *In VA, it is frequent to common in the southern and central Coastal Plain, southern Piedmont, and portions of the far southwestern mountains and rare elsewhere. It is native to NoVA except for Prince William County. It may be indigenous to some areas in Maryland. Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–9 developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Christa Watters, Simpson Gardens and by Elaine Mills (bottom left) & Mary Free (bottom right), Glencarlyn Garden

Tried and True Native Plant Selections 
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Bignonia capreolata (Cross-vine)

This semi-evergreen vine can cling to stone, brick, and wood without support. Found in forests and along roadsides mainly in the South,* its showy, two-tone flowers are an early nectar source for butterflies and hummers. Cross-vine refers to the cross-shaped pattern of the cut stem.

*In VA, it is frequent to common in the southern and central Coastal Plain, southern Piedmont, and portions of the far southwestern mountains and rare elsewhere. It is native to NoVA except for Prince William County. It may be indigenous to some areas in Maryland.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets