Also known as Birthwort · Pistolochia
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Spanish Birthwort (Aristolochia pistolochia) is a vigorous perennial vine known for its unusual trumpet-shaped flowers and medicinal history.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight. Avoid intense, direct sun.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce in winter.
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 15-25°C during the growing season. Protect from frost.
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly with a balanced fertilizer during spring and summer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains aristolochic acids, which are nephrotoxic and carcinogenic. Ingestion can lead to kidney damage and an increased risk of cancer.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter, keeping the soil just moist to prevent complete desiccation.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged roots, which can lead to rot.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing stems to maintain plant health and shape.
Pruning can also be used to control the plant's size and encourage bushier growth. Avoid heavy pruning during the growing season.
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Select healthy stems, cut them below a node, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant in a well-draining, moist potting mix and keep in a warm, humid environment until roots develop. Seed propagation is also possible but slower.
Repot every 2-3 years in spring, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
Ensure the drainage holes are clear to prevent water accumulation around the roots.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Spanish Birthwort (Aristolochia pistolochia)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Piperales |
| Family | Aristolochiaceae |
| Genus | Aristolochia |
| Species | Aristolochia pistolochia |
Similar in genus Aristolochia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
