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are trumpet vines invasive in the middle hudson valley

I have a trumpet vine growing near some juniper bushes and a pin oak should I remove the trumpet vine
Last Updated: Aug 28, 2017  |  4 Views
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Hi, Karen.  Thanks for contacting us.

There are a number of plants that go by the common name of Trumpet Vine, or variations of that name.  One of the most common in New York State is Campsis radicans, a vine with flowers in the red or orange color family and compound leaves.  There are pictures on this USDA page.   If you were speaking of a different trumpet vine, please let us know.

This plant is not technically invasive in New York State, or anywhere in the USA, for that matter.  You will hear gardeners refer to it as invasive, but this is a subjective description, not a legal status, and it has not been officially declared such by NYS.  For future reference, here's a list of all the officially designated invasive plants in NYS.

Campsis radicans is, however, considered aggressive.  You are not legally obligated to remove it, but it requires a lot of work to keep it under control.  It spreads by suckering underground runners and the seeds that fall from its pods, and the runners may send shoots up in places where you won't notice them, like in the moddle of shrubbery.  It freely self-seeds and can choke out many plants that get in its way, and you can never let this plant get the upper hand or be allowed to spread as much as it wants to.  It should be severely pruned back in early spring or fall to just a few buds, and you should deadhead the pods before the seeds can drop.  Pull up the new shoots from the runners whenever you see them.

It needs some support, as it can grow up to 40 feet long, but you should keep it from climbing on anything you don't want damaged, like your house.  If it's allowed to go unchecked, it can be hard on, or even fatal to, that pin oak.

One of the benefits of this vine, as you know, is that hummingbirds love its beautiful flowers, and other birds like to nest in its dark green foliage.  It's a lovely plant, as long as it always knows you're the boss.

Good luck with it.

Answered by Anita FinkleBookmark and Share

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