Plant · GBIF taxon 3172549
American trumpet vine
Campsis radicansAlso known as Trumpet Creeper, Yellow Trumpet Vine, Cow Itch Vine, Hummingbird Vine
American trumpet vines climb high into tree canopies using aerial rootlets that cling tightly to bark, wood, and masonry. Large, bright orange-red tubular flowers open throughout midsummer, providing a vital nectar source for hummingbirds. Underground runners allow dense colonies to spread quickly across forest edges, fence lines, and gardens.
VineFloweringPerennial
1 / 7—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Aphids
- Spider Mites
- Whiteflies
ThreatsMinimal (highly adaptable and aggressive grower)
HabitatsWoodlands, riverbanks, fence lines, and disturbed grounds
Life spanDecades (frequently exceeding 20 years)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyBignoniaceae
- SpeciesCampsis radicans
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Sap can cause mild contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals; handle foliage with gloves.
- Why it is dangerous
- Leaves and sap contain irritating compounds that can cause contact dermatitis and skin redness in sensitive individuals.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for woody climbing vines with opposite pinnate leaves and clusters of bright orange-to-red trumpet flowers.
- What to do
- Wear gloves and long sleeves when pruning or removing stems to protect your skin from sap.
Responsible observation
- Pruning: Cut stems back aggressively in late winter to keep vigorous growth under control.
- Observation: Stand near flower clusters on warm afternoons to watch hummingbirds feed.
- Handling: Wear protective gardening gloves when cutting vines to prevent contact with sap.
Pollinator jeffreyw / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Competitor (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Nectar Robber Andreas Trepte / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Family Member
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