Aristolochia serpentaria

Aristolochia serpentaria grows in "dry to mesic forests, perhaps more restricted to mesic situations over acidic substrate, ranging into drier situations over calcareous or mafic substrates" (Weakley and the Southeastern Flora Team 2023). This species is found in a wide variety of forested habitat conditions throughout its range, from rich, mesic forests to subxeric woods and clearings (Young, Pearson, and Kunsman, pers. comm., 2000). In the core of its range, the species is most frequently found and most abundant in association with limestone (Kunsman, pers. comm., 2000), whereas toward the southern and southeastern edge of its range in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, it is found over other, non-basic substrates (Schafale and Schotz, pers. comm., 2000). It is frequently encountered on rocky slopes and near summits in oak-hickory or other hardwood forests (Kunsman, Penskar, Pittman, and Pittillo, pers. comm., 2000). In Alabama it is often associated with Pinus echinata and Cornus florida (Schotz, pers. comm., 2000). It is rare in high-nutrient rich coves, at mid- to low elevations in the mountains and foothills of North Carolina (Kauffman, pers. comm., 2000).

This species is a host plant for eastern pipe-vine swallowtail butterflies, Battus philenor philenor (Linnaeus).