ExplorePlants

California Dutchman's Pipe

Aristolochia californica

The California Dutchman's Pipe is a unique plant with big, heart-shaped leaves and unusual, pipe-shaped flowers. It grows in shady spots and is a favorite of butterflies and other insects.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The California Dutchman's Pipe is a woody vine with distinctive S-shaped flowers that resemble a smoking pipe. These unusual blooms range from greenish-white to purple, often featuring intricate brown-purple veining. Its heart-shaped leaves are velvety and grow densely.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderPiperalesFamilyAristolochiaceaeGenusIsotrema
California Dutchman's Pipe
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgetube_flower trait badge
California Dutchman's Pipe

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

5

Interesting facts

Ancient people once used this plant for medicine, but it's very poisonous!

Its strange flowers trick tiny flies into pollinating them!

The plant smells faintly like mushrooms to attract its insect visitors!

This vine can grow as tall as a house if it finds good support!

Special abilities

Ability

Insect Snare

California Dutchman's Pipe has unique pipe-shaped flowers that temporarily trap small flies, ensuring effective pollination.

Ability

Toxic Shield

California Dutchman's Pipe produces special toxic chemicals to deter most hungry animals from eating its leaves and stems.

Ability

Clever Climber

California Dutchman's Pipe can rapidly twine its way up other plants and structures to reach vital sunlight in dense forests.

Measurements & details

Height
100-600 cm
Spread
100-300 cm
Flower Size
2.5-5 cm
Bloom Season
Winter, Spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
High
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Do not touch or eat any part of this plant, as it can be harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify California Dutchman's Pipe?

The easiest way to identify California Dutchman's Pipe is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How tall is California Dutchman's Pipe?

100-600 cm

How wide does California Dutchman's Pipe spread?

100-300 cm

How big are the flowers on California Dutchman's Pipe?

2.5-5 cm

When does California Dutchman's Pipe bloom?

Winter, Spring

Is California Dutchman's Pipe edible?

No

Is California Dutchman's Pipe toxic?

High

What is California Dutchman's Pipe's lifecycle?

Perennial

Snap Map

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