A high-twining woody vine without tendrils. Young stems and lower surface of leaves densely white-pubescent. Leaves of vegetative shoots up to 40 cm (15 in) long and wide, heart-shaped. Flowers about 3 cm long, strongly curved. Calyx with a dark purple orifice and a wrinkled reflexed limb. Fruits capsules about 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter.
Distribution: Native to southeastern U. S. as far west as central Oklahoma and southeastern Kansas.
Habitat: In Oklahoma, the species is usually found in openings in floodplain forests. It is especially abundant around the margins of abandoned fields along the Red River.
NWI status: FAC
Comment: Aristolochia is derived from a Greek phrase meaning "assist in childbirth", from its medicinal use; tomentosa refers to the hairy stems and leaves.
Distribution in Oklahoma: 
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Last update: 9/8/99
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