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Cat's Claw |
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(Macfadyena unguis-cati) |
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COVERS THE ARCHES EAST OF FORBES. |
| 22 | A strong, rapid-growing vine which climbs by its own devices. It clings on brick and other masonry; has a brief spectactular display of yellow trumpet-shaped flowers followed by pods which resemble catalpa tree pods, to which it is related. |
| In Depth | Macfadyena unguis-cati, Cat's Claw |
| Location: COVERS THE ARCHES EAST OF FORBES. | |
| Family: Bignoniaceae | |
| Distribution: Central America | |
| Habitat: Prefers uniform soil and above 20°F | |
| Habit: Clinging, climbing vine | |
| Flowering: Yellow trumpet shaped flowers | |
| Natural History Notes: This is a very tenacious vine that aggressively climbs nearly any wall or surface. It is so named for its 3-pronged claw-like climbing appendages. It is usually evergreen, though in the cold it may lose some of its leaves. It is often used for screens or to soften a hard wall appearance in landscaping. Also, cats claw gives off an impressive color display in early summer, with its many bright yellow trumpet shaped flowers. A major benefit for Arizona landscaping is that it is drought tolerant, even though it does have a more lush quality with regular irrigation. Its tenacity and hardiness make it very hard to eradicate, if unwanted. |