Catclaw Vine
Dolichandra unguis-cati
A vigorous fast-growing vine with large yellow trumpet flowers that can damage walls if not managed.
Evergreen to semi-evergreen in USDA zones 8-11 and root-hardy well below that; it takes low-desert frost with minor dieback, thrives in extreme heat, and is aggressive enough to be considered invasive in mild climates.
AMWUA Notes
Can damage walls with clinging tendrils; use with caution on structures. Aggressive and potentially invasive; plant only where its vigor can be contained.
Care Guide
Water deeply about once a week in summer for fast cover; it is adaptable but grows most aggressively with ample moisture, so lean watering helps restrain it.
Requires frequent, firm pruning to control its rampant growth and keep clinging tendrils off walls, roofs, and eaves; cut back hard in late winter and pull up runners and tubers that stray.
Do not fertilize; this vigorous grower needs no encouragement and feeding only worsens its spread.
Few insect pests, but it is itself the main problem, spreading by seed, runners, and underground tubers that resprout after cutting.
A profusion of large yellow trumpet flowers covers it in spring; it is evergreen to semi-evergreen and may drop leaves or die back only in hard frost.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Grows in almost any soil including poor and rocky ground; adaptable and undemanding, which contributes to its invasiveness.
Needs moderate soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
Spreads by seed, above-ground runners, and underground tubers that resprout after cutting; do not propagate deliberately.
10-15 ft apart on a large chain-link fence (15 ft mature spread), sited away from structures
Aggressively invasive — underground tubers resprout after cutting and clinging claws pit and damage stucco and masonry; use a root barrier and keep far from walls, roofs, trees, and neighboring yards.
Placement Tips
- •Reserve for large chain-link fences and stand-alone structures it can cover without harming; its clinging claws pit and damage stucco and masonry.
- •Keep it far from house walls, roof eaves, trees, and neighboring yards, as it climbs and colonizes aggressively.
- •Plan on regular hard pruning and root removal; consider a root barrier to contain its tubers.
- •Give full sun and use restrained watering to blunt its invasive vigor.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Wildlife Value
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Catclaw Vine. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Catclaw Vine — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Catclaw Vine need in Phoenix?
Catclaw Vine is a moderate-water vine once established. Water deeply about once a week in summer for fast cover; it is adaptable but grows most aggressively with ample moisture, so lean watering helps restrain it. Can damage walls with clinging tendrils; use with caution on structures. Aggressive and potentially invasive; plant only where its vigor can be contained.
How big does Catclaw Vine get?
Expect roughly 25 ft tall and 15 ft wide at maturity, with a fast growth rate. Allow about 10-15 ft apart on a large chain-link fence (15 ft mature spread), sited away from structures of spacing when planting. Aggressively invasive — underground tubers resprout after cutting and clinging claws pit and damage stucco and masonry; use a root barrier and keep far from walls, roofs, trees, and neighboring yards.
Can you plant Catclaw Vine near a pool?
Yes. Catclaw Vine is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated high.
Can Catclaw Vine handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Catclaw Vine is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Evergreen to semi-evergreen in USDA zones 8-11 and root-hardy well below that; it takes low-desert frost with minor dieback, thrives in extreme heat, and is aggressive enough to be considered invasive in mild climates. A profusion of large yellow trumpet flowers covers it in spring; it is evergreen to semi-evergreen and may drop leaves or die back only in hard frost.
Does Catclaw Vine have thorns?
No. Catclaw Vine is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Catclaw Vine safe around pets?
Catclaw Vine is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Catclaw Vine bloom in Arizona?
Catclaw Vine blooms in spring, with yellow flowers. The bloom draws bees, butterflies.
How much maintenance does Catclaw Vine need?
Catclaw Vine is high-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated high. Requires frequent, firm pruning to control its rampant growth and keep clinging tendrils off walls, roofs, and eaves; cut back hard in late winter and pull up runners and tubers that stray.
What kind of soil does Catclaw Vine need?
Grows in almost any soil including poor and rocky ground; adaptable and undemanding, which contributes to its invasiveness. It needs no supplemental feeding. Do not fertilize; this vigorous grower needs no encouragement and feeding only worsens its spread.
Is Catclaw Vine native to Arizona?
No. Catclaw Vine is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Mexico to Central/South America, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.