Trumpet Vine on a Philadelphia Street: in album Philadelphia
| Jun 16th, 2011, by Alex Zorach |
This trumpet vine or trumpet creeper, Campsis radicans, was growing on Fairmount Avenue in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia.
Stunningly beautiful, trumpet vine is a bit of an odd plant. It is a climber, not initially supporting itself, but it later grows relatively strong wood. Native to North America, this plant is sometimes considered a pest, even in its native range, because of its persistence and aggressive growth. It is sometimes called "cow-itch" because it can produce dermatitis (itching skin) in some people. This effect is usually much milder and much less common than poison ivy. It is well-suited for growing in cities, where it can tolerate heat, drought, poor soil, and exposed conditions, but it also thrives in lush landscapes and rich soils.
You can also view a closeup photo of this same trumpet vine plant; that page discusses the details that can help you to identify this plant, even from the foliage, when it is not in bloom.
