American trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

American trumpet vine is a vigorous woody vine native to the central and eastern United States, with orange-red trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds in summer. Its spreading roots and self-sown seedlings can make it hard to contain. It is more often called trumpet vine or trumpet creeper.

Appearance

Appearance: Opposite compound leaves carry 7–11 toothed leaflets. Clusters of red to orange, 1–3 in (2.5–7.6 cm) trumpet-shaped flowers appear from June through September.
Growth form: This woody vine climbs by and can reach 30–40 ft (9–12 m). It also sends up many shoots from underground runners.
Fruit: Long, brown, beanlike capsules mature in fall and split open.

Look-alikes

Chinese trumpet vineCampsis grandiflora

Chinese trumpet vine has larger flowers with a wider mouth and fewer aerial rootlets. American trumpet vine has a longer, narrower flower tube and often has hairs along the midrib on the underside of its leaves.

Why they get mixed upBoth are Campsis vines with orange-red trumpet flowers.

hybrid trumpet vineCampsis × tagliabueana

This hybrid combines traits of American and Chinese trumpet vines, so one flower photo may not be enough. Check several features and a nursery label when one is available.

Why they get mixed upIt is a cross between American and Chinese trumpet vines and can show features of both.

crossvineBignonia capreolata

Crossvine has just two leaflets and a branching tendril at the tip of each leaf. American trumpet vine has 7–11 toothed leaflets and climbs with small roots on its stems.

Why they get mixed upBoth are climbing vines with orange trumpet-shaped flowers in the southeastern United States.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: woodland edges
thickets
roadsides and stream banks
gardens and fences
Range: It is native to the central and eastern United States. It has also spread from gardens into parts of the northern United States, including southern Michigan.
Preferred conditions: It handles many soils but does best in well-drained soil with regular moisture and full sun to partial shade. It grows in 4a–10b, although full sun gives the best flowering.
Flowering: Flowers Jun–Sep
Flowers Jun–Sep

Life cycle

Seed dispersal: Each capsule releases many two-winged seeds that travel on the wind.

Growing it

Care: Give the mature vine a sturdy support and room to spread. It flowers on new growth, so early-spring pruning does not remove the coming summer's flowers, but roots and seedlings still need regular control.
Propagation: It can be grown from seed or root cuttings and also spreads on its own by underground runners.
Toxicity: Flowers and leaves have low toxicity if eaten. Sap can cause brief redness or swelling on sensitive skin.

Name and classification

About the name: Hybrid trumpet vine (Campsis × tagliabueana) is a cross between American and Chinese trumpet vines. ‘Indian Summer’ may be listed under either American trumpet vine or the hybrid.
Varieties and forms: Garden selections include ‘Apricot’, ‘Atropurpurea’, ‘Crimson Trumpet’, ‘Flava’, and ‘Judy’.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: It is used in native and pollinator gardens.
The species name radicans refers to the rooting stems that help the vine climb.

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