Cat's Claw Creeper

Dolichandra unguis-cati is native to tropical and subtropical America, from Mexico and the Caribbean south through Central America to Argentina and Uruguay, where it grows in forests, forest edges, and disturbed habitats.

• The species name unguis-cati means "cat's claw" in Latin — a direct reference to the distinctive three-pronged, claw-shaped tendrils
• Also known as "Cat's Claw Vine," "Yellow Trumpet Vine," and "Funnel-Creeper"
• The genus Dolichandra was separated from Macfadyena based on molecular studies in the early 2000s
• Has been cultivated as an ornamental vine since the 19th century for its spectacular spring flower display
• Unfortunately, its aggressive growth, wind-dispersed seeds, and persistent underground tubers have made it a serious invasive weed in many regions
• In Australia, it is classified as a Class 3 declared weed in Queensland — illegal to sell or propagate
• In South Africa, it is listed under NEMBA regulations as a Category 1b invasive species
• In the southeastern US, it has naturalized and is considered invasive in Florida, Texas, and other Gulf Coast states
• The large underground tubers can weigh over 20 kg and make mechanical removal extremely difficult
• Biological control research has investigated insects from the vine's native range as potential control agents

Cat's Claw Creeper is a vigorous deciduous to semi-evergreen woody vine climbing by distinctive claw-shaped tendrils to heights of 10–15+ m, capable of reaching the tops of tall trees.

Stems: Stout, woody, gray-brown, producing the characteristic three-pronged, claw-like tendrils at the nodes. Young stems are green and slightly hairy. The claws can grip any surface including smooth walls, tree bark, and rock.

Leaves: Compound with 2 (occasionally 4) oblong to lanceolate leaflets, each 3–7 cm long, dark green, leathery, with the terminal leaflet modified into a three-pronged tendil. Leaves are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems.

Flowers: Produced in spectacular, showy panicles at the branch tips in spring (August–October in the Southern Hemisphere; March–May in the Northern Hemisphere). Individual flowers are broadly trumpet-shaped (funnelform), 5–8 cm long and 4–6 cm across, bright golden-yellow with 5 ruffled, spreading lobes and prominent curved stamens. The flower display is dramatic but relatively brief (2–3 weeks).

Fruit: Long, narrow, cylindrical capsules 25–40 cm long (exceptionally long for the family), green turning brown, containing numerous flat, papery, winged seeds that are dispersed by wind. The capsules persist on the vine through winter.

Roots: The most problematic feature — large, starchy, potato-like underground tubers that can reach 20+ kg. These tubers allow the plant to survive drought, fire, and herbicide treatment, and they can produce new shoots even after the above-ground vine is killed.

Cat's Claw Creeper grows naturally in tropical and subtropical forests, forest margins, and disturbed habitats from Mexico to Argentina, where it is a normal component of the vegetation kept in check by natural controls.

• INVASIVE in Australia (particularly Queensland and New South Wales), South Africa, parts of the southeastern US (Florida, Texas, Louisiana), and several Pacific Islands
• Thrives in warm, frost-free to light-frost conditions — subtropical to tropical climates
• Tolerates full sun to deep shade — the shade tolerance allows it to invade intact forests
• Drought-tolerant once established due to the massive underground tubers
• The wind-dispersed winged seeds can travel long distances from the parent plant
• The vine climbs high into the canopy of trees, smothering them under a blanket of foliage that blocks photosynthesis
• The weight of the vine mass can break branches and even topple entire trees
• The persistent underground tubers make eradication extremely difficult — even small tuber fragments left in the soil can regenerate
• Fire can kill above-ground growth but the tubers survive and resprout vigorously
• Biological control agents including a leaf-tying caterpillar (Hypocosmia pyrochroma) have been released in Australia with some success

Cat's Claw Creeper should NOT be planted in regions where it is invasive. In suitable, non-invasive settings or within its native range, it can be grown for its spectacular spring flowers.

Control (in invasive situations):
Mechanical: Cut vines at ground level and dig out as much of the tuber system as possible. Even small tuber fragments can regenerate, so thorough removal is essential. For large infestations, mechanical removal is impractical.

Chemical: Cut-stump treatment — cut the vine at ground level and immediately apply a systemic herbicide (glyphosate or triclopyr) to the cut surface. Follow-up treatments are essential as the tubers resprout. Foliar spray of glyphosate can be used on regrowth.

Biological: In Australia, the leaf-tying moth Hypocosmia pyrochroma has been released as a biological control agent.

Prevention: Do not plant Cat's Claw Creeper in warm-climate regions where it is known to be invasive. Remove seedlings promptly before they develop tubers.

Legal Status: Declared a noxious weed in Queensland (Australia), South Africa, and various US states. Check local regulations before planting.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 8–11.

In Its Native Range: Can be grown as an ornamental vine where it is native. Provide a strong support. Prune after flowering.