Aristolochiaceae
California snakeroot
Aristolochia californica
Also known as California wild ginger, Western wild ginger, Asarum californicum, Isotrema californicum
Native Plants · California · Native · Snakeroot · Climbing · Drought · Tolerant · Shade · Medicinal · Rare · Specialized
This California native vine produces distinctive pipe-shaped flowers close to the ground and heart-shaped leaves on climbing stems. Plant in well-draining soil and provide partial shade, as it naturally grows under oak trees in its native habitat. Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional deep watering.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 4 hours
- Watering
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings · Every 10-14 days
- Maintenance
- Moderate
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 6–7.5
- Temperature
- -10°F to 90°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
Hardiness
USDA 5a-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 10 ft – 20 ft
- Spread
- 10 ft
- Spacing
- 36 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- No
- Foliage
- Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- California
- Attracts
- Moths
Sources: trefle, usda
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