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Trumpet vine or trumpet creeper – how to identify this poisonous plant and diagnose/treat poisoning.

Trumpet Vine Plant

Trumpet vine or trumpet creeper
Campsis radicans
Trumpet creeper (Bignoniaceae) Family

Description: Trumpet-shaped Trumpet Vine flowersThe large, vigorous, woody Trumpet Vine or Trumpet Creeper may climb to 15 meters (45 feet) high.  It has pea-like fruit capsules. The oval leaves are pinnately compound, growing opposite to each other, 8 to 12 sharply toothed leaves per 12 inch leaf stock, with a single terminating leaflet on the end of the stalk.  Leaves are dark green on top and lighter underneath and begin with a rounded, wedge shaped base and end with a elongated tip.   Its waxy, showy, trumpet-shaped flowers are orange to scarlet in color with yellowish colored throats and cluster at the end of the branches.  The flowers are followed by large seed pods which dry and split as the plant matures, to release hundreds of thin, brown, paper-like seeds.

Trumpet Vine leaf with sharply toothed opposite paired leafletsThe Trumpet Vine’s growth is very aggressive.  Its tendrils grab on to every available surface and become thick, heavy stalks as they mature.

This plant causes minor contact dermatitis and mild toxicity if eaten.  Symptoms include itching with effects typically only lasting a few minutes.

Habitat and Distribution: This vine is found in wet woods and thickets throughout eastern and central North America.

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