Trumpet Creeper

All About Trumpet Creeper

Trumpet creeper is a vigorous, woody, deciduous vine native to central and eastern United States. It belongs to the trumpetvine family (Bignoniaceae) and climbs using aerial rootlets. Known for its rapid growth, it thrives in various soils and prefers full sun for optimal flowering. This hardy vine blooms on new growth and requires sturdy support due to its weight. While ideal for woodland and pollinator gardens, it spreads aggressively through underground runners and self-seeding. Proper placement and maintenance help control its growth. Additionally, it serves as a larval host for the plebeian sphinx moth.

Benefits of Yaupon Holly

Fast-growing climber
Thrives in various soils
Tolerates sun and shade
Blooms on new growth
Attracts pollinators
Supports sphinx moths
Ideal for natural gardens
Provides dense coverage
Low maintenance plant

Landscaping

Landscape Location

Naturalized Area
Woodland

Resistance To Challenges

Compaction
Drought
Heat
Poor Soil

Landscape Theme:

Native Garden
Pollinator Garden

Leaves

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Width

< 6 inches

Leaf Description:
Its compound, odd-pinnate leaves (to 15” long) are shiny dark green above and glabrous dull green below. Each leaf has 7 to 11 elliptic to oblong leaflets (to 4" long) with serrated margins. The leaves turn yellow in the fall..

Cultural Conditions

Light

Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)

Soil Drainage

Good Drainage
Moist
Occasionally Dry

Flowers

Flower Color

Gold/Yellow
Orange
Red/Burgundy

Flower Bloom Time

Summer

Flower Description
The Trumpet creeper has clusters (terminal cymes) of red trumpet-shaped flowers (to 3” long) that appear throughout the summer (June to September). Its flowers are very attractive to hummingbirds.

Fruit

Fruit Color:

Brown/Copper

Fruit Type:

Legume

Fruit Length:

> 3 inches

Fruit Description:
Long, bean-like seed capsules (3-5” long) which split open when ripe releasing numerous 2-winged seeds for dispersal by the wind.

Attributes

Genus

Campsis

Family

Bignoniaceae

Species:

vomitoria

Wildlife Value
The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds which are the principal pollinator of this plant. White-tailed deer and rabbits eat the foliage.

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