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California Pipevine

Aristolochia californica

California pipevine is the sole larval host of the California pipevine swallowtail, with curious U-shaped purple-brown 'pipe' flowers in late winter. A must for butterfly gardeners in the West.

Family
Aristolochiaceae
Type
vine
Lifespan
perennial
Height
8–20 ft
Spacing
3–8 ft apart
Light
sun, part shade
Soil moisture
moist
Soil pH
neutral, acidic
Bloom
February, March, April
Bloom colors
purple, brown
Wildlife value
pollinators, larval host
Landscape uses
groundcover, erosion control
Native states
CA