Parts of Trumpet Vines

Leaves and Stems

• The trumpet vine has opposite, compound leaves, with each leaf made up of seven to 11 leaflets. The top of the leaflets is a glossy, dark green, while the underside is a lighter green. Each leaflet reaches about 1 to 3 inches long. The stems can grow about 30 to 40 feet long, climbing with aerial rootlets that attach themselves to almost any available support. A light tan bark covers the stems, which can appear flaky as they age.

Flowers

• Trumpet creeper grows bright orange or red blossoms in mid to late summer. The elongated, trumpet-like shape of the blooms gives the plant its name. The flowers appear in clusters of between four to 12 blossoms, with each bloom about 3 inches long. Some plants might take up to six years before bearing flowers. Ruby-throated hummingbirds and bumblebees provide much of the pollination for the trumpet vine.

Fruits and Seeds

• The fruit, a flat capsule about 6 inches long and 1 inch in diameter, has two ridges on its surface. It turns from green to brown as it ages and tapers toward the base. Each fruit contains numerous flat seeds. The seeds have a winged appearance and escape from the fruit in autumn when the capsule splits apart. The primary dispersal method for the seeds is by wind.

Caution

• Although often grown as an ornamental vine for its colorful flowers, one part of the trumpet creeper, its aerial roots, might cause problems unless carefully managed. These tiny roots, which the plant uses to climb supports, can harm structures made of brick, stone or wood. Giving it a concrete support will prevent any damage to wood fences or brickwork. The trumpet creeper also has invasive tendencies, so watch for its attempts to escape cultivation.