Woolly Dutchman’s Pipe

May 10, 2026

Woolly Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia tomentosa) is a vine that is native to Virginia and beyond. I have it in my garden and love having it. It blooms mid-May, with these unusual looking flowers.

It’s a vine that knows no bounds though. But if you keep after it, it will bring you a reward of the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor), which depends exclusively upon plants in the genus Aristolochia, such as this Woolly Dutchman’s Pipe.

I have to keep after the Woolly Dutchman’s Pipe. It is constantly trying to sneak, like a little 2 year old, watching to see if I’m watching, as it reaches into my Blueberry bushes that are nearby. Having the Pipevine Swallowtails active in my yard though is totally worth it!

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Published by

Brenda Clements Jones

Brenda is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, a Habitat Defender for Shenandoah National Park, and a devoted fan of Mother Nature. She lives in a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Shenandoah National Park, and hikes up to the higher elevations of her mountain often to see what nature is up to. Her constant hiking companion is a camera that captures nature as it unfolds through the seasons. It’s her goal to share the natural world around her through her photographs.

2 thoughts on “Woolly Dutchman’s Pipe”

  1. Gorgeous pictures of flowers and butterflies for Mother’s Day! I’m sure you’ll enjoy a happy celebration.

    1. Hi Merry! It was a lovely evening with K,A&L here for a visit. We all enjoyed a great dinner that Bill whipped up! Hoping you had a super day too!!
      Sending bunches of hugs!
      Clem

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