Description
Form: A climbing vine.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Leaf retention: Evergreen in frost-free regions, deciduous in hard freezes.
Growth rate: Rapid.
Mature Size: 30-50' long.
Flowers: Large, bell-shaped, showy, clustered, fragrant. 'Tangerine Beauty' is orange outside, yellow inside. Other colors, including yellow and red, are available.
Bloom: Late winter to late spring. It may bloom sporadically summer to early fall, depending on the local climate.
Fruit: Dark brown, woody seedpods.
Leaves: Paired leaflets, lance-shaped, smooth edges, glossy green, turning to dark red in winter.
Stems: A square cross-section having a cross-shaped pith inside, resembling a Greek cross, which gives the vine its name. The stems are dark green, turn reddish-purple in cold climates, and lack thorns. Slender tendrils, tipped with adhesive disks, assist climbing.
Roots: It forms underground tubers and spreads by stolons, above ground roots which form new plants where they take root. In moist, fertile soils it becomes highly invasive.
Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds, birds, butterflies and bees. Browsed by mammals.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Eastern United States, south of the Great Lakes to Texas.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 5-9. This plant will die to the ground in very cold regions and come back from its roots in the spring.
Heat tolerant: Yes.
Drought tolerant: Yes, once established.
Sun: Full sun to open shade. Full sun produces the most flowers.
Water after becoming established: Once a month or more often depending on appearance.
Soil: Well drained, dry, soil type tolerant, pH 6.1-7.8 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline). It thrives in soil with a high organic content.
Mulch: No.
First Year Care: Water frequently to establish until summer rains.
Planting: Can be grown in containers but will need more frequent watering.
Prune: After flowering, cut back to keep it in bounds. It flowers on old wood, so do not prune in winter.
Litter: Low.
Propagation: Seed and cuttings. Seeds have long germination time.
Uses: Ornamental, used on fences and trellises as a screen.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Trumpet Creeper family (Bignoniaceae). Crossvine is related to Campsis Radicans: Trumpet Vine, and is sometimes mistaken for it. While this plant is usually described as having medium water needs, it will tolerate much less once established.

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