Aristolochia californica, 7 seeds
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One of the earliest blooming of California's endemic plants is also one of the most distinctive. The California Pipevine/Dutchman Pipevine is a rhizomatous, deciduous, twining vine native of woodlands, mountain foothills, streambanks and mixed evergreen forests. It sends forth many bizarrely shaped flowers starting in mid winter, a rather welcoming sight when nothing else in the garden is showing any life. Usually still leafless at this point in time, these alien-looking pipes look absolutely interesting dotting along the empty stems. As the weather warms, new lush, heart-shaped leaves appear. Vigorous growing once established, it is the only host plant of the gorgeously iridescent blue-black native California Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly. Hardy from zone 8 onwards. At least 12 feet tall. Part shade. Any well-drained soil. Regular water. Usually available in plant forms. Very fresh seeds, harvested 08/2024.
