Quick Facts about Aristolochia tomentosa (Wooly Dutchman’s Pipevine):

Host plant for the beautiful Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly

Perennial

Woody, twining vine dies back in the winter

Native to Southeastern and Midwest US, but is often cultivated outside its natural range

Hardy in USDA zones 5-8

Likes full sun to part shade (especially in hotter climates)

Prefers fertile, medium moist, well-drained soil but will do fine in average soil, does not like dry soil

Vigorous 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

Aristolochia tomentosa Plants for Butterfly Gardens

Wooly Dutchman’s Pipevine plants are very similar to the Aristolochia macrophylla (Dutchman’s pipevine).  They are both large vines, great for creating shade, screen/cover, trellis, fences or arbors and are readily used by the Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies as food for their caterpillars.  The difference is that tomentosa has fine hairs on it (thus being known as Wooly Pipevine) while macrophylla is smooth.  Although the native ranges overlap some, tomentosa is a midwestern and southern native while macrophylla is more of an east coast native.