Bignonia capreolata - Cross vine
Family Bignoniaceae

Description:

Cross vine is native to north Florida and the southeastern U.S. This is an evergreen vine with leaves held on the stem in four’s. Large orange-yellow to red flowers are produced in spring. These long, tubular flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds. While it is used primarily as a landscape plant today, native Americans used the bark and roots to treat a variety of ailments.

Location:

See plants on the wood fence along the UNF Drive loop behind buildings 5 and 6.

Size:

A woody vine (liana) capable of climbing to fifty feet high or more.

Care Instructions:

Light: full sun to shade

Water: moderately drought tolerant when established, tolerates moist sites

Soil: average soil, wide pH tolerance, no special requirements

Cross vine can grow in sun or shade and seems to grow best in moist sites. It is a moderate sized vine appropriate for a fence. It can grow straight up tree trunks and other supports by use of its short tendrils. In a good location, it is capable of rapid growth.