Family: Ranunculaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 543 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Clematis
Vegetable: False
Observations: NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Leather-flower, scientifically known as Clematis viorna, is a captivating perennial plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. This species was first documented in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, whose contribution to taxonomy is well celebrated.
Clematis viorna is known for its distinctive bell-shaped flowers, which bestow upon it both an aesthetic charm and a unique structural elegance. The blooms usually showcase a palette of muted shades that can range from purples to pinks, occasionally displaying a subtle mix of these tones. The petals, which are often thick and leathery in texture, help the flower stand out, hence the common name “Leather-flower.”
Geographically, the Leather-flower thrives primarily in the eastern and central regions of the United States. Its natural habitat includes deciduous forests, woodland edges, and areas with rich, well-drained soils. The plant typically prefers partial to full sunlight but can adapt to various light conditions, making it a versatile addition to gardens and naturalized landscapes.
The foliage of the Leather-flower is equally appealing, with compound leaves that provide an excellent backdrop to its striking flowers. These leaves are usually a vibrant green, contributing to the plant’s overall lush appearance.
Moreover, Clematis viorna is renowned not just for its beauty but also for its resilience. It tends to be relatively hardy and can withstand a variety of growing conditions, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
In summary, the Leather-flower (Clematis viorna) is a remarkable plant that combines visual appeal with practical growing attributes. Its presence in North Carolina and Eastern U.S.A. landscapes is a testament to its adaptability and the timeless allure it brings to the natural world.
Common Names
Eng: leather-flower, vasevine, leather-flower vine, vase-vine, vase-vine clematis, vase-vine leather-flower
Swe: urnklematis
Fra: clématite viorne
En: Leather-flower, Vasevine, Leather-flower vine, Vase-vine, Vase-vine clematis, Vase-vine leather-flower
Fr: Clématite viorne
Sv: Urnklematis
Synonyms
- Clematis viorna var. segreziensis (Kuntze)
- Clematis beadlei ((Small) R.O.Erickson)
- Clematis viorna var. parviflora ((Lavallée) Kuntze)
- Clematis viorna var. membranacea (Kuntze)
- Viorna gattingeri ((Small) Small)
- Viorna viorna ((L.) Small)
- Viorna beadlei (Small)
- Viorna flaccida ((Small) Small)
- Clematis flaccida (Small)
- Clematis viorna var. flaccida ((Small) R.O.Erickson)
- Coriflora beadlei ((Small) W.A.Weber)
- Clematis gattingeri (Small)
- Viorna ridgwayi (Standl.)
- Clematis texensis var. parviflora (Lavallée)
- Clematis viorna var. flavida (Kuntze)
- Clematis viorna var. obtusifoliola (Kuntze)
- Coriflora gattingeri ((Small) W.A.Weber)
- Viorna urnigera (Spach)
- Coriflora viorna ((L.) W.A.Weber)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Oct 12, 2021 by Gerrit Busser (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 12, 2021 by Gerrit Busser (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2020 by Lex Shaw (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 22, 2018 by Kelly Doine (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 22, 2018 by Kelly Doine (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 12, 2021 by Gerrit Busser (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Barbara Evans (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Peter (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 27, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 29, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 25, 2020 by Antoine RIDE (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 27, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2012 by EOL − Ned Keller (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033562)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30010174-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Clematis viorna L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Vine