birthwort
Aristolochia californica
USDA zones8 to 10
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 to 15 feet tall3 to 6 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, winter
- Bloom color
- Pale green with burgundy veins
Garden uses
Notes
Birthwort (Aristolochia californica) is a vine for woodland and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 8, or down to 10°F (-12°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to moist soil. It can grow fast and become aggressive, but you can control it easily. The pipe-shaped flowers have a foul smell that attracts small flies. The flies pollinate the blooms and then escape.
Pairs well with Bay laurel, Mondo grass, and Blue wild indigo.
Native range
California.