Climbing dogbane (Trachelospermum difforme) is a species of vine, native to Louisiana, that volunteers in wet areas of the arboretum. It currently maintains a weedy status, growing not necessarily in the best places. In the past, it has overtopped the chickasaw plum patch and the large swamp rose bush. It has also been known to climb the swamp titi shrubs along the bank of the upper drainage. Since this vine is aggressive and successful in the soil of the arboretum, it is annually cut back to ensure a competitive advantage for the species that were intentionally planted.
However, climbing dogbane is a resilient vine that is difficult to remove: you cannot simply pull it loose. Climbing dogbane intricately entwines itself with whatever it can find. As a result, pulling on the vine tends to result in more damage to the host plant rather than the dogbane. Currently, we do not have a specific location for it to grow unhindered. We ought to give some thought to providing a proper place for the dogbane to thrive. For now, we will continue to annually cut it back.
Today, we have pictures of a climbing dogbane vine that has made a home in the lead plant shrub (Amorpha paniculata).
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Climbing dogbane is a woody vine that can be found in wet areas of the arboretum. Its leaves appear in pairs along the slender vine.
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A fresh green tendril extends from the red vine. Note: leaves vary in shape along the vine. These leaves have a lanceolate shape.
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We see glossy, green climbing dogbane leaves in the foreground. These leaves have an obovate shape.
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The tough vine has a red hue.
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The obovate leaves have a slightly asymmetrical shape with pointed tips. The upper surface is dark green.
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The lower surface is light green.
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The larger, mature leaves measure more than 3 inches in length.
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Climbing dogbane flowers appear in clusters. They are small, yellow flowers. No fragrance was deteceted; however, the LSU AgCenter claims "very fragrant".
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Flowers of the climbing dogbane (Trachelospermum difforme), photographed June 21, 2021
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For more information about this species consult the following online sources:
United States Department of Agriculture (zoom in on the distribution map)
Louisiana Plant Identification and Interactive Virtual Tours (LSU AgCenter)
