Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans) — Native Louisiana Hummingbird Vine

Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans)

By July, the hummingbirds know where it is before you do. Trumpet Creeper — the great orange-red vine of the Louisiana bayou — blooms from June through September in clusters of flaring trumpet flowers that draw ruby-throated hummingbirds, orioles, and native bees in numbers that will stop you in your tracks. It climbs 30 to 40 feet by aerial rootlets, covers fences and arbors with dense green foliage, and asks almost nothing in return. This is one of the most vigorous and ecologically generous native vines in North America.

Grown and shipped from Big Mamou Enterprises — Bayou Self, Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Botanical Profile

• Botanical Name: Campsis radicans
• Family: Bignoniaceae (Trumpet Creeper family)
• Native Range: Eastern United States from New Jersey to Florida and west to Texas; native to Louisiana forest edges, bayou margins, and disturbed areas
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9
• Mature Size: 20–40 feet; climbs by aerial rootlets
• Bloom Time: June–September; long summer bloom season
• Sun: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Extremely adaptable — dry to wet, clay to sandy, poor to rich; one of the most site-tolerant native vines available

Ecological Role

Trumpet Creeper is one of the most important summer nectar sources for ruby-throated hummingbirds in the Gulf South. Its flowers are also visited by orioles, native bees, and butterflies. A larval host for the Plebeian Sphinx moth. Dense foliage provides nesting cover for birds; seed pods provide winter food for birds and small mammals. Plant it and the wildlife will find it.

Note: Trumpet Creeper is vigorous — give it a strong structure and room to grow. Some people experience skin irritation from contact with the foliage; handle with gloves if sensitive.

Cajun Heritage & Cultural Use

Known in Cajun tradition as liane à colibri — hummingbird vine — for the ruby-throated hummingbirds that arrived with the first blooms every June. Some families called it trompette du bayou — bayou trumpet — for the flaring orange-red flowers that announced summer along the waterways. In the traiteur tradition, the leaves were used as a poultice for rheumatic joints and skin inflammations, though handled with care for their irritant properties. A plant of power — generous with its gifts, demanding of respect.

In the Cajun Heritage Garden

Part of the Heritage Garden collection at Big Mamou Enterprises. Plant at the base of a strong fence, arbor, or large tree in full sun. Established plants are drought-tolerant and essentially self-sufficient. Cut back hard in late winter to control size and encourage the most vigorous bloom. A vine that rewards boldness — give it space and it will give you summer.