Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata)

Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata)

Crossvine is one of the most spectacular native vines of the Louisiana landscape — a semi-evergreen, high-climbing vine that erupts in spring with clusters of large, trumpet-shaped flowers in rich orange-red with yellow throats, drawing ruby-throated hummingbirds from the moment they arrive on migration. Its common name comes from the cross-shaped pattern revealed when the stem is cut in cross-section. It climbs by tendrils to 50 feet or more, covering fences, trellises, and tree trunks in a blaze of color.

Botanical Profile

• Family: Bignoniaceae (Trumpet Creeper family)
• Native Range: Southeastern United States from Maryland to Florida and west to Texas; native to Louisiana bottomland forests, bayou margins, and woodland edges
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
• Mature Size: 30–50 feet; climbs by tendrils
• Bloom Time: March–May
• Sun: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Moist to dry; adaptable to clay, loam, and sandy soils

Ecological Role

Crossvine is one of the most important early-season nectar sources for ruby-throated hummingbirds in the Gulf South, blooming precisely when hummingbirds arrive on spring migration. Its flowers also support native bees and butterflies. It provides dense cover for nesting birds and is a larval host for the Plebeian Sphinx moth.

In the Cajun Heritage Garden

Part of the Jardin — Heritage Garden collection at Big Mamou Enterprises, Crossvine is a native vine of extraordinary beauty and ecological importance — the hummingbird’s first welcome to the Louisiana spring garden.