🌿 NATIVE PLANT OF THE WEEK⁠ Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia spp.)⁠ ⁠ Looking for a vine that’s equal parts gothic charm and ecological hero? Meet Dutchman’s pipe—aka pipevine. With contorted, tubular blooms that look like Sherlock Holmes' smoking pipe, these plants bring drama and support wildlife.⁠ ⁠ ✨ Why grow it?⁠ ⁠ Pipevine swallowtail butterflies 🦋 rely on it as a larval host.⁠ ⁠ The blooms are wild and otherworldly (no two look quite the same).⁠ ⁠ Despite rumors, most native species don’t smell like rotting flesh—promise.⁠ ⁠ 🌱 Three to try:⁠ A. macrophylla (Zones 4–8): From Alabama to Maine. Vigorous, leafy climber with heart-shaped leaves and 2-inch blooms.⁠ A. tomentosa (Zones 4–9): Southeastern native with flair. Spreads fast in rich soil—great for a big space or to disguise that chain-link fence.⁠ A. californica (Zones 8–10): California native. Silvery-fuzzed new growth and delicate, veined flowers in late winter.⁠ ⁠ 💡 Pro tip: These flowers love to hide—plant pipevines near a seating area where you can lean in and appreciate the details.⁠ ⁠ Would you grow this strange and wonderful vine? Or already have a favorite Aristolochia in your garden? Tell us below 👇⁠ ⁠ For more about these fascinating plants, read “Astounding Aristolochia” by Paul Lee Cannon in the July/August 2015 issue of The American Gardener, which can be found at ahsgardening.org/ahs-publication-archives. ⁠ Photos: Aristolochia tomentosa by Joseph M. McGee, iNaturalist.org Aristolochia marcrophylla by Scott Arboretum & Gardens Aristolochia tomentosa by Connie Rutherford, iNaturalist⁠ Aristolochia californica bu Jordan Collins, iNaturalist⁠ Battus philenor larva by karalyn, iNaturalist (fb)

🌸 Flowers, Legacy, and Powerfully Rooted Stories 🌿⁠ Join author and horticulturist Teresa Speight for a virtual talk on Black Flora—a groundbreaking book that celebrates Black voices in the floral industry.⁠ ⁠ From farmers and florists to designers and growers, Black Flora shines a light on the stories that have long gone untold—stories of beauty, resilience, and the deep cultural roots of flowers in Black communities.⁠ ⁠ 💬 Expect rich conversation, inspiring stories, and a fresh perspective on the intersection of identity and horticulture.⁠ ⁠ 🗓️ Friday, May 30 | 2–3 p.m. ET⁠ 💻 Virtual⁠ 🎟️ $15 AHS members / $20 non-members⁠ 🔗 https://ahsgardening.org/ahs-live-black-flora/ ⁠ Hosted by the American Horticultural Society 🌱⁠ ⁠ Teresa J. Speight is the Urban Garden and Container Garden Chair, District 1, for National Garden Clubs Inc.. Through her blog and podcast, Cottage In The Court, she offers a unique perspective on connecting with the earth, as well as curated garden experiences for small groups. 🖊️ Tag a friend who needs to hear this talk or drop a 🌺 in the comments if flowers have played a role in your story. (fb)