Bignonia capreolata

State - Tennessee County - Rutherford Identification - Bignonia capreolata Location - Old Fort Park between tennis courts and the Old Fort, next to Old Fort St Description - vine with tendrils climbing a tree trunk, long dark green compound leaves with two lanceolate leaflets Associated Species - Sassafras albidum, Diospyros virginiana, Juniperus virginiana, Toxicodendron radicans, Carya ovata Date of Collection - 20 Oct 2014 Collector - Lauren S Hanberry Collection Number - 30

Clinging to dead Juniperus virginiana stump leaning at 45degree angle, approximately 3m in overall length. Not in flower at time of collection. Growing in thicket approximately 5m to the south and east of the SE portion of barrens trail.

Vine with compound leaves with 2 leaflets and entire margins. Has branched tendrils. No flowers or fruit present.

Vine with compound leaves with 2 leaflets and entire margins. Has branched tendrils. No flowers or fruit present.

Climbing liana with oppositely-arranged compound leaves, each containing two leaflets and a branched, terminal tendril. Leaflet margins entire.

Green, somewhat woody vine with distinct "twin" leaf pattern with associated tendrils. Growing on side of tree.

Green, somewhat woody vine with distinct "twin" leaf pattern with associated tendrils. Growing on side of tree.

Woody vine with tendrils, fruit green and rigid.

Woody vine with tendrils, fruit green and rigid.

The cross vine blooms are spectacular this year. I noticed this one in the top of a cedar this morning. I ran into my nephew later and he described this beautiful vine, asking me what it was, and then my Uncle texted me a picture asking me what it was and whether it was safe. I know the Indians used it medicinally, and some people still use the leaves for tea to make an energy drink. I may have to try it this year.

The cross vine blooms are spectacular this year. I noticed this one in the top of a cedar this morning. I ran into my nephew later and he described this beautiful vine, asking me what it was, and then my Uncle texted me a picture asking me what it was and whether it was safe. I know the Indians used it medicinally, and some people still use the leaves for tea to make an energy drink. I may have to try it this year.

The cross vine blooms are spectacular this year. I noticed this one in the top of a cedar this morning. I ran into my nephew later and he described this beautiful vine, asking me what it was, and then my Uncle texted me a picture asking me what it was and whether it was safe. I know the Indians used it medicinally, and some people still use the leaves for tea to make an energy drink. I may have to try it this year.