1. Macfadyena unguis-cati (L.) Bignoniaceae
Cats Claw Vine
Macfadyena unguis-cati (L.) Bignoniaceae

2. Biology Native to West Indies, Mexico and Argentina
Name comes from three-pronged claw-like climbing appendages
High climbing woody vine, over 50 feet in length
Similar to native cross-vine (Bignonia capreolata) which has red-orange flowers

3. Background Economic Uses Brought to Florida as an ornamental
Fragrant and showy flowers
Attractive foliage

4. Distribution
Found in several areas of north and central Florida – prevalent in Alachua Co.
Found along roadways and disturbed areas, forest edges, undisturbed hammocks
Generally as an escape from cultivation
Isolated infestations in other areas of south Florida

5. Cats Claw Vine Distribution in Florida

6. Impacts Category 1 invasive species (FLEPPC)
spreads into undisturbed sites
Although slow growth, very long-lived and persistent
Creates a dense mat that covers forest floor
Can climb into trees and smother canopy

7. Identification

8. Mature Plant Climbing vine, but not twining
Produces a large tuber that allows for regrowth
Stems covered with lenticels (small pits)

9. Leaves and Tendrils Oppositely arranged
Dark green and compound with 2 leaflets
Tendrils forked with distinct “claws”

10. Flowers and Fruit Flowers are yellow, trumpet shaped, 3 inches long
Fruit capsules are linear and flat, 20 inches long
Seeds are winged and wind dispersed

11. Management
Preventative
Cultural
Mechanical
Biological
Chemical

12. Preventative Limit planting as an ornamental
Remove existing plants, including resprouts and before seeds are produced
Rouge out vines in abandoned areas

13. Cultural Alternative landscape plants to replace cats claw vine
Programs to educate homeowners about the problems associated with this vine and proper identification
Maintain good ground cover and mixture of plant species to reduce establishment

14. Biological
There are no known biological control agents available for cats claw vine management in Florida or the southeastern U.S.

15. Mechanical
Hand pull young seedlings, including all roots, repeated pulling for resprouts
Cut vine down at ground level
Mowing is effective, although likely impractical, but must be repeated

16. Chemical - Foliar
Over-the-top applications for seedlings, resprouts and small vines
Thoroughly wet leaves with herbicide
Triclopyr – 2% solution
Glyphosate – 2 to 3% solution
Use surfactant at 0.25%
Best results applied July to October

17. Chemical - Basal Use 100% triclopyr solution with basal oil
Apply 12 to 15 inches above ground on tree trunk
Wet thoroughly for good control, spray until run-off is noticeable at ground line

18. Chemical – Cut Stump Cut stems horizonally at or near ground level
Apply 100% solution of glyphosate or triclopyr
Cover the entire cut stem
Marker (blue) dye is helpful

20. Useful Links
Floridata Homepage:
University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants:
University of Florida’s Cooperative Extension Electronic Data Information Source:

21. Useful Links
The Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien Plant Working Group. Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas:
Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER). Plant Threats to Pacific Ecosystems:
Invasive Plants of the Eastern United States:

22. Literature Cited
Langeland, K.A. and K. Craddock Burks Identification and Biology of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville. 165 pp