Bignonia capreolata is an evergreen vine commonly referred to as Crossvine. It is belong to Bignoniaceae family, Bignonia genus. Family name honors Jean P. Bignon, librarian in the court of King Louis XV. The species name capreolata, means having tendrils. The common name Crossvine refers to cross-shaped pattern revealed when the stem is cut (synonyms: Doxantha capreolata, Anisostichus capreolata, Anisostichus crucigera).

Bignonia capreolata is native to southeastern USA, from Maryland to Florida, and west to Missouri and Texas. Its opposite, compound leaves are bifoliate, usually 10-15 cm long and 5 cm wide. Leaves are glossy dark green in summer and reddish after frost.  Each leaf consists of a pair of lanceolate to oblong dark green leaflets and a branched tendril between them. In areas with mild winters Crossvine will keep its leaves during the winter. Unlike its cousin the Trumpet Creeper (Bignonia radicans or Campsis radicans), it climbs using tendrils, rather than the aerial roots that can sometimes harm a structure.

Bignonia capreolata produces flowers appear in late winter and early spring. Long tubular showy flowers are usually red on the outside, with a yellow interior and frequently have a mocha fragrance. Flowers are 5-7 cm long and borne in clusters of 2-5. The fruits are flattened pod-like pendants 12-20 cm long.

Crossvine tolerates poor soil and dry conditions. If planted in shade, it will scramble up any available structure or tree to find sunlight. They often climb very high, with leaves only remaining on the uppermost portion of the plant. It is hardy to -24˚C.

Bignonia capreolata reproduces by seeds or by shoots sprouting from the base of the plant. It is commercially available in several selections, but many beautiful variations have been discovered in the woods and brought into gardens. There are some cultivars of this species which have colors other than the maroon-orange of the wild plant. The varieties often seen include atrosanguinea (dark red) in color, Tangerine Beauty a blend of apricot and golden rust color, Helen Fredel a more yellow specimen.

The native Americans used Crossvine as a remedy for a number of physical conditions, including diphtheria, edema, headaches and rheumatism. In 2012, an indole alkaloid reserpine was found in Bignonia capreolata. Reserpine is an antipsychotic and antihypertensive drug that has been used for the control of high blood pressure and for the relief of psychotic symptoms,

Use in Landscape: As a vine, it is commonly used cover for fences, arbors, walls, pillars or large trellises.