Bignoniaceae

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides a detailed overview of the bower plant (Pandorea jasminoides), highlighting its characteristics, growth habits, and uses. The bower plant is an evergreen vine known for its fast growth, glossy dark green foliage, and attractive white or pink-throated flowers that bloom throughout the year. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9B through 11 and requires full sun, fertile soil, and protection from strong winds. The plant is not native to North America and is not known to be invasive. It can be propagated by seed or softwood cuttings and has no major pest or disease concerns. Original publication date October 1999.

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the Flame Vine (Pyrostegia venusta), a vigorous evergreen vine known for its rapid growth and striking reddish-orange flowers. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its climbing habit, dense foliage, and high drought tolerance. The document also highlights the vine’s invasive potential in certain regions, its ideal growing conditions, and the need for regular pruning to manage its growth. Additionally, it covers propagation methods and potential pest issues, making it a comprehensive guide for gardeners and horticulturists interested in cultivating this ornamental plant. Original publication date October 1999.

Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop

This deciduous tree is native to South and Central America and is commonly planted in Florida as an ornamental landscape and shade tree. It has attractive, bright yellow blossoms produced in the absence of leaves. Once established, this tree is drought tolerant, making it easier to care for and less demanding on water resources. Yellow trumpet tree also has a relatively high tolerance to salt spray, and therefore is an appropriate street tree or yard specimen in coastal areas. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.

Niels Proctor and Jason Smith

Cat’s-claw vine is a neotropical, climbing perennial that produces large and showy yellow flowers in the springtime. It is valued as an ornamental, particularly in dry areas, because it needs little water or care and can climb almost anything, covering fences and other structures with an attractive carpet of leaves and flowers. Unfortunately, the aggressive nature of the vine has made it a major weed in China, Australia, South Africa, and parts of the southeastern United States. This 6-page fact sheet provides guidance on identification, control, and similar native vines for home landscapes.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, yDennis G. Watson
Otros contactos: Michael G. Andreu

This upright, densely foliated, evergreen small tree can reach a height of 30 feet with a variable spread. The large, seven-inch-long, dark green, glossy leaves make it ideal for a small-scale shade or specimen tree, or it can be allowed to grow into a tall screen. Throughout the year, two-inch-long, purplish-white, non-showy tubular flowers are produced on short stalks. These blooms are followed by smooth, shiny green, four-inch-long fruits which have a thin, hard shell and contain numerous 1/2-inch-long, edible black seeds in white pulp. The furrowed tree bark is grey and rough.

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, yDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, yDennis G. Watson
Otros contactos: Michael G. Andreu

This native North American tree is well known in hot, dry areas where the soft, willow-like leaves and beautiful blooms are a welcome relief. Desert willow reaches 30 feet in height and a width of 25 feet, with fairly loose, open branching. The narrow leaves are 5 to 12 inches long and, although deciduous, provide no appreciable fall color change.

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, yDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, Andrew K. Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, and Drew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, and Deborah R. Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, yDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, Andrew K. Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, and Drew C. McLean

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, and Deborah R. Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, yDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, yDennis G. Watson
Otros contactos: Michael G. Andreu

This briefly deciduous tree reaches 15 to 20 feet in height and has a fairly open canopy. Branching is often sparse allowing turf and other sun loving plants to grow beneath the canopy. The dark green, palmately compound, five-inch-long leaves are joined in late winter or early spring by the showy, trumpet-shaped blooms, appearing in dense, rose-pink to purple, terminal panicles. Trees will have a better form if trained to a single trunk and staked until they are six to eight feet tall, at which time they can be allowed to grow naturally.

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, yDrew C. McLean