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Description
Aristolochia Californica, commonly known as California pipevine, is a deciduous vine native to California and Oregon. This plant is a member of the birthwort family (Aristolochiaceae) and can grow up to 30 feet in length. The leaves of this plant are heart-shaped, and the flowers are trumpet-shaped and reddish-brown in color. The fruit of the California pipevine is a capsule that contains numerous seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Piperales |
| Family | Aristolochiaceae |
| Genus | Aristolochia |
Appearance
Aristolochia Californica is a beautiful vine with heart-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers that are reddish-brown in color. The flowers of the California pipevine are approximately 2 inches long and bloom in early spring. The leaves of this plant are also quite stunning, with a glossy green appearance that adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the plant. Overall, the appearance of Aristolochia Californica is quite striking and makes it an excellent addition to any garden.
Care Guide
To care for Aristolochia Californica, it is important to provide the plant with the right amount of water, fertilizer, sunlight, soil, and hardiness zone.Water: California pipevine requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.Fertilization: It is recommended to fertilize the plant in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, rich soil that is slightly acidic.Sunlight: Aristolochia Californica thrives in partial shade, but it can also tolerate full sun.Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Aristolochia Californica is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, whiteflies, and snails. To prevent these pests from infesting the plant, it is important to keep the plant clean and remove any dead or diseased leaves.
Habitat
Aristolochia Californica is native to California and Oregon and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, chaparral, and coastal sage scrub. This plant thrives in partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Aristolochia Californica poisonous?
A: Yes, this plant is toxic if ingested.Q: Can Aristolochia Californica grow in full sun?
A: Yes, California pipevine can grow in full sun, but it prefers partial shade.Q: How tall can Aristolochia Californica grow?
A: This plant can grow up to 30 feet in length.Q: What is the best time to fertilize Aristolochia Californica?
A: It is recommended to fertilize this plant in the spring.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Aristolochia genus include:
- Aristolochia clematitis
- Aristolochia durior
- Aristolochia gigantea
- Aristolochia macrophylla
References
- “Aristolochia Californica.” Sunset Western Garden Book, 9th ed., Oxmoor House, 2012, p. 96.
- “Aristolochia Californica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280782&isprofile=0&basic=aristolochia%20californica.
- “California Pipevine.” UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County, ucanr.edu/sites/ccmg/Sustainable_Landscaping/Drought_Tolerant_Plants/California_Pipevine/.
