Macfadyena unguis-cati

Cat's Claw Vine, Yellow Trumpet Vine

Vine

This evergreen vine is very tough and hard to kill. The huge potato-like tuber keeps putting out growth. It will self-adhere to a masonry wall but will not grow into it. It grows quickly once established up to 25 feet or more. Its weight will make it fall unless it's tied. Grows faster where summers are hot.

Temperature

Hardy to 20F. Will lose leaves in cold.

Water requirements

Moderate. Needs little dry-season water once established.

Sun

Full sun, partial shade.

Soil

Tolerant, best in uniform soil.

Maintenance

Seasonal pruning of faded blooms. Prune back to stimulate new growth.

Disadvantages

Messy. Hard to kill.

Bloom

Three-inch tubular yellow flowers appear in spring, but not every year, depending on water.

Fruit or Seeds

Skinny, long seedpods appear after bloom.

Uses

Cover masonry walls, use as screen on trellises. Quick shade for west-facing walls. Needs a large space to cover.

Origin

Native of Central America. Member of the Bignoniaceae family.

Themes

Informal, Tropical, Subtropical.

Return to Index