Trumpet Creeper, Trumpet Vine, Cow Itch Vine, Hummingbird Vine
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Lamiales, Family: Bignoniaceae, Genus: Campsis, Species: Campsis radicans · Bignoniaceae (Trumpet Creeper family) · Odd-pinnately compound and deciduous
Species
Campsis radicans (Confidence: 95%)
Leaf Type
Odd-pinnately compound and deciduous
Family
Bignoniaceae (Trumpet Creeper family)
Shape
Overall compound leaf is oblong; individual leaflets are ovate to lanceolate with long-acuminate tips
Size
The total compound leaf is 4-12 inches long; individual leaflets shown are approximately 1.5-3 inches long, which is standard for mature foliage.
Margin
Coarsely serrate (toothed)
Arrangement
Opposite on the stem
Rarity
Very Common; it is often considered aggressive or weedy in its native range due to its rapid growth and self-seeding.
Color & Pattern
Glossy dark green upper surface with a lighter green underside. The petiolules (leaflet stalks) and central rachis show a distinctive reddish-bronze tint at the joints.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with a prominent midrib and secondary veins that extend to the tips of the marginal teeth.
Texture & Surface
Smooth and somewhat leathery (coriaceous) on the upper surface; the underside can sometimes be slightly pubescent along the veins.
Description
A vigorous, woody deciduous vine that climbs via aerial rootlets. It is famous for its large, waxy, trumpet-shaped orange to red flowers that bloom in summer. The bark becomes light brown and flaky on older lignified stems. In autumn, foliage may turn a yellowish-green before dropping.
Key Features
Opposite, pinnately compound leaves with 7-11 leaflets, coarse serrations, and a central rachis that often turns red at the point where leaflets attach.
Habitat
Found in woodlands, riverbanks, and fencerows. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly adaptable to various soil types, from sandy to clay-heavy.
Geographic Range
Native to the eastern and southeastern United States, but widely naturalized across North America and cultivated as an ornamental in temperate climates worldwide.
Condition Notes
The specimen appears to be in Good to Excellent condition. There is no visible evidence of fungal rust or herbivory. The deep green color suggests healthy chlorophyll levels and adequate hydration.
Interesting Facts
The vine is nicknamed 'Cow Itch' because the sap can cause skin irritation in some people. It is the primary nectar source for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in many regions.
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily used as an ornamental for covering fences or trellises to attract pollinators. Some historical uses in folk medicine exist for skin ailments, though this is discouraged due to potential dermatitis.
Ecological Role
Vital specialist feeder for hummingbirds and long-tongued bees. It provides dense nesting cover for songbirds but can become invasive in disturbed habitats, overtopping smaller trees.
Similar Species
Bignonia capreolata (Crossvine) - distinguished by having only two leaflets and a branched tendril; Wisteria species - have entire (smooth) margins rather than serrated ones.
Foraging Tips
Look for its woody vine climbing high into tree canopies or trailing along the ground in sunny margins during mid-summer when the bright orange flowers make it unmistakable.
Toxicity Warning
Mildly Toxic. The sap contains contains irritants that can cause contact dermatitis (redness and itching) in sensitive individuals. Ingestion may cause digestive upset. Toxicity level: Mildly Toxic.