Isotrema tomentosum, commonly known as Woolly Dutchman’s Pipe, is a deciduous perennial vine native to the rich, moist, deciduous forests and woodland margins of the Southeastern United States. It can climb to heights of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) with a spread of 5-10 feet (1.5-3 meters). The vine is characterized by its heart-shaped leaves and distinctive, pipe-shaped flowers that are yellow, green, and purple, appearing in the spring and summer. These blooms are not only showy but also attract pollinators, including butterflies. The plant’s common name derives from the resemblance of its flowers to traditional Dutch smoking pipes.

Woolly Dutchman’s Pipe is valued for its unique flowers and ability to provide quick cover for trellises, arbors, and fences. It is also used as a host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly, contributing to biodiversity in gardens. This vine is relatively low-maintenance, requiring medium amounts of water and adaptable to soils with varying drainage. It thrives in full sun to part shade, making it versatile for different garden settings. While generally disease-free, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and should be monitored for such issues.CC BY-SA 4.0