Also known as Aristolochia durior

USDA, NRCS. 2016. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov)
Quick Facts about Aristolochia Macrophylla (Dutchman’s Pipevine):
Host plant for the beautiful Pipevine Swallowtail
Also known as Aristolochia durior
Perennial woody, twining vine dies back in the winter
Hardy in USDA zones 4-8
Likes full sun to part shade (especially in hotter climates)
Prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil but will do fine in average soil, does not like dry soil
Native to Eastern and Southeastern US, but is often cultivated outside its natural range
Fast growing vine with large heart-shaped leaves. Can reach 20-30 feet
Great on a trellis, arbor, fence, for screening or quick cover or sprawling up trees over shrubs
Propagated from seed or cuttings.
There are several different methods listed to germinate these seeds: One method suggests soaking in warm water for 24 hours then planting about 3/8 inch deep. Another recommends 1-3 months of stratification (cold/damp storage before planting). The only way we have found to get good germination is with 6 months of stratification before planting (4 or 5 may be enough but we don’t know where the lower edge is)! With 6 months of cold stratification, followed by planting about 3/8 inch deep at room temperature, we get greater than 50% germination. We have not yet tried different scarification techniques. We would love to hear your experiences with starting these seeds if you have found a good method!
Aristolochia macrophylla and Pipevine Swallowtail Butterflies
This vine is native to the Eastern U.S (Apalachians) and Ontario, Canada. The Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies will lay their eggs on its leaves and the emerging caterpillars will feed on its foliage. There are many different varieties of Aristolochia and some of them (especially the tropical ones) could be poisonous. The “mother” butterfly will not know the difference, and she might lay her eggs on the harmful kind. This is why it is very important to make sure you select the right specie of Aristolochia.
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