Rankin’s Trumpetflower: A Native Southeastern Climber Worth Knowing
If you’re looking for a native vine that brings both beauty and wildlife value to your southeastern garden, let me introduce you to Rankin’s trumpetflower (Gelsemium rankinii). This charming perennial climber might not be as well-known as its cousin the Carolina jasmine, but it deserves a spot in more native plant gardens.
Where You’ll Find This Native Beauty
Rankin’s trumpetflower is a true southeastern native, naturally occurring across seven states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. This vine has adapted perfectly to the diverse conditions found throughout the coastal plains and piedmont regions of the Southeast.
What Makes Rankin’s Trumpetflower Special
This perennial vine is a natural climber, using its twining stems to scramble up trees, fences, or any support you provide. The stems can be either woody or herbaceous, giving the plant a somewhat variable appearance depending on growing conditions. What really catches the eye are the bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers that give this plant its common name.
The glossy, evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, making this vine valuable even when it’s not blooming. It’s the kind of plant that quietly does its job in the garden – providing structure, color, and habitat without demanding constant attention.
Wildlife Love It Too
Here’s where Rankin’s trumpetflower really shines in the wildlife garden. Research shows that this vine provides a significant food source for both large animals and terrestrial birds, contributing 5-10% of their diets. The flowers also attract native pollinators like butterflies and bees, making your garden a more vibrant ecosystem.
Perfect Spots for Planting
Rankin’s trumpetflower is surprisingly adaptable when it comes to moisture. In coastal plain regions, it functions as a facultative wetland plant, meaning it’s equally happy in wet or drier conditions. In the mountains and piedmont, it’s even more flexible, thriving in both wetland and upland situations.
This adaptability makes it perfect for:
- Woodland edges and naturalized areas
- Native plant gardens
- Wildlife habitat plantings
- Fences and trellises that need softening
- Rain gardens or areas with variable moisture
Growing Rankin’s Trumpetflower Successfully
The good news is that this native vine is relatively low-maintenance once established. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7-9, making it suitable for most of the southeastern United States.
Light requirements: Partial shade to full sun – it’s quite adaptable
Soil preferences: Moist to moderately dry soils; not particularly fussy about soil type
Support needs: Provide a trellis, fence, or allow it to climb existing trees or shrubs
Planting and Care Tips
When planting Rankin’s trumpetflower, choose a location where it has room to climb and spread. Since it’s a twining vine, it will need some kind of support structure – whether that’s a fence, trellis, or nearby shrubs and trees.
Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish the root system, but don’t worry too much after that. This native is quite drought-tolerant once settled in. Pruning is rarely necessary, though you can trim it back if it outgrows its space.
Why Choose This Native Vine?
In a world full of non-native landscaping options, Rankin’s trumpetflower offers something special: it’s perfectly adapted to southeastern conditions, supports local wildlife, and adds unique beauty to your garden. Its yellow trumpet flowers bring a cheerful pop of color, while its climbing habit makes it perfect for adding vertical interest to your landscape.
Plus, there’s something satisfying about growing a plant that truly belongs in your area – one that has been thriving in your region for thousands of years and will continue to do so with minimal help from you.
If you’re building a native plant garden or simply want to add more wildlife value to your landscape, Rankin’s trumpetflower deserves serious consideration. It’s one of those reliable, beautiful natives that proves you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics to create an ecologically valuable garden.
