Cory's Dutchman's-pipe

Aristolochia coryi

Other common name(s):

Cory's Pipevine

Family:

Aristolochiaceae (Birthwort Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts, Edwards Plateau
Low Mountains and Bajadas
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift, Semiarid Edwards Plateau

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Vine

Height

.5
to
2
ft.

Spread

.5
to
1
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Gravelly, Limestone, Rich, Moist

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low, Medium

Native Habitat

Variable

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow, Green, Purple, Brown

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Pollen, Larval Host

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Birds, Bees

Maintenance

Drought tolerant. Can be grown in container gardens or hanging baskets, but needs good drainage. WARNING: all parts of the plant are poisonous. Propagation: seed, stem cutting.

Comments

Blooms April-August. Cory’s Pipevine tends to grow along the ground, but will climb up to 18 inches. Stems brown with purple spots. Leaves triangular. Solitary flowers on new growth, in axis of stems. the root is a tuber. The fruit is a capsule. Larval host: Pipe-vine Swallowtail.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Aristolochia brevipes, Aristolochia brevipes var. acuminata
Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Once collected, the seeds can be sown into trays filled with a loamy seed mix and covered lightly with a thin layer of soil. The trays should be kept in a warm place, with a constant temperature of at least 20°C, and kept moist until germination occurs. Collect ripe seeds in the late summer or early autumn before they are dispersed naturally. https://www.botanikks.com/plants/aristolochia-coryi-im-johnston/520723/1
Semi-harwood Cutting Remove the lower leaves and apply a rooting hormone. Propagation should take place in a humid environment, either in a propagator with bottom heat (around 70-75°F) or under a humidity dome, using well-draining propagation mix. Misting regularly is crucial to maintain humidity. Cuttings should be taken in late summer or early autumn, after the plant has finished its main flush of growth. Cuttings should be approximately 4-6 inches long. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-aristolochia-coryi/
Clump Division Aristolochia coryi isn’t known for extensive root systems, making successful division challenging. Replant the divisions immediately into well-prepared, well-draining soil. Water thoroughly after planting. Division should be undertaken in early spring or autumn during the dormant period. Carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring minimal disturbance to the root system. Divide the root ball into sections, each with several healthy roots and stems. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-aristolochia-coryi/
Tuber Division Replant the pieces in a well-draining loamy soil, water lightly, and keep in a cool dry location until new growth appears. This should be done during the plant's dormant stage in the late autumn or early winter when the leaves have died back. Dig up the tubers and separate them into smaller pieces, ensuring each piece has a healthy bud. https://www.botanikks.com/plants/aristolochia-coryi-im-johnston/520723/1

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason