Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), also known as trumpet creeper, is experiencing a banner year in North-Central West Virginia. This native perennial vine blooms more profusely the hotter it gets; the current heat wave is bringing out some extraordinary blooming action. Trumpet vine spreads aggressively by suckering and sending out aerial rootlets, which allow it to climb like a plant superhero over everything - fences, walls, roofs, buildings, etc. Although it can be a nuisance (in the south, it’s often referred to as hellvine and devil’s shoestring), the vine’s delicate, pinnately compound leaves and gaudy, reddish-orange, broadly trumpet-shaped flowers make for a very attractive show. Gardeners love it - especially for planting in hot or arid regions - but it can become quite invasive outside its native range if not carefully cut back. Trumpet vine is also one of the best hummingbird plants in North America. Photos above were taken along the Mon River Trail.
