Fragrant clematis (Clematis flammula, Sp. Pl.: 544 (1753))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 544 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Clematis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit. to Pakistan

Description

The Fragrant Clematis, known scientifically as Clematis flammula, is a captivating perennial that garners interest not only for its visually pleasing presence but also for its alluring fragrance. Part of the Ranunculaceae family, this robust climber has its roots tracing back to regions spanning from the Mediterranean to Pakistan, making it a versatile plant accustomed to various climates.

Originating from the seminal botanical work by Linnaeus, published in “Species Plantarum” in 1753, the Fragrant Clematis has since been celebrated for its delicate beauty and aromatic appeal. The vine often adorns fences, trellises, and arbors with its abundant clusters of small, star-like white flowers, creating a striking contrast against its lush green foliage. The appeal of Clematis flammula extends beyond aesthetics, as its flowers exude a sweet, intoxicating scent that peaks in late summer, inviting a host of pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

One of the remarkable attributes of this plant is its adaptability. It thrives in well-drained soil with moderate water requirements and can flourish in full sun to partial shade. Given its Mediterranean origins, it is well-adapted to enduring prolonged periods of drought, making it a resilient choice for gardeners in arid regions.

In addition to its ornamental value, Clematis flammula has been used historically in various cultural contexts. Its robust nature and easy growth make it a popular choice for adding vertical interest in garden landscapes. Despite its beauty, gardeners should handle it with care, as some parts of the plant can be toxic if ingested.

Overall, the Fragrant Clematis remains a beloved addition to any garden, offering both aesthetic and sensory delight. Its enduring presence across continents underscores its botanical significance and enduring charm, making it a plant worth celebrating and cultivating.

Common Names

Deu: brennende waldrebe
Eng: virgin’s-bower, fragrant clematis, traveller’s joy
Hun: illatos iszalag
Ces: plamének pal
Swe: vippklematis
Nob: middelhavsklematis
Nno: middelhavsranke
Cym: barf-yr-hen-ŵr wen
En: Fragrant clematis, Virgin’s-bower, Traveller’s joy, Fragrant Virgin’s-bower, Sweet-scented Virgin’s-bower
Ar: ظيان لهبي
Az: Acı ağəsmə
Bn: অ্যারোমেটিক জুঁই
Bg: Червен повет
Ca: Vidiella, Clemàtide flammula, Vidrella
Zh: 棉團鐵線蓮
Cs: Plamének palčivý, Plamének pal
Da: Vellugtende Skovranke
Fi: Tuoksukärhö
Fr: Clématite flammette, Clématite brûlante, Clématite flamme, Clématite odorante, Clématite poivrée, Flammule
De: Brennende Waldrebe
El: Αγράμπελη
He: זלזלת מנוצה
Hu: Illatos iszalag
It: Clematide Fiammola, Viticcio, Fiammola, Madreselva, Vittalba piccola
Ml: ക്ലെമാറ്റിസ് ഫ്ലാമുല
Nb: Middelhavsklematis
Nn: Middelhavsranke
Fa: کلماتیس معطر
Pl: Powojnik południowy
Ru: Ломонос жгучий
Es: Clemátide Flámula, Cola de ardilla, Jazmín de monte, Muermera, Vidraria de hojas estrechas, Vidriaria de hoja estrecha
Sv: Vippklematis
Uk: Ломиніс вогнистий
Wa: Broûlante rampioûle
Cy: Barf-yr-hen-ŵr wen

Synonyms

• Clematis flammula sempervirens (Paul)
• Clematis diversifolia (Gilib.)
• Clematis caespitosa (Scop.)
• Meclatis sibirica (Spach)
• Clematis flammula var. grandiflora (Pomel)
• Clematitis flammula ((L.) Couret-Vill.)
• Clematis pallasii (J.F.Gmel.)
• Clematis canaliculata (Lag.)
• Clematis flammula var. sancti-marini (Pamp.)
• Clematis flammula var. vulgaris (DC.)
• Clematis flammula var. rotundifolia (DC.)
• Clematis flammula var. maritima (DC.)
• Clematis maritima var. semiplena (Carrière)
• Clematis flammula var. rubella (DC.)
• Clematis flammula var. parviflora (Pomel)
• Clematis maritima var. plena (Billard ex T.Moore & Jackman)
• Clematis flammula var. stenophylla (Kuntze)
• Clematis flammula f. maritima (Batt.)
• Clematis maritima (L.)
• Clematis suaveolens (Salisb.)
• Clematis rubella (Pers.)
• Clematis flammula var. acutipetala (Kuntze)
• Clematis flammula var. caespitosa ((Scop.) DC.)
• Anemone flammula ((L.) E.H.L.Krause)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Azores (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hungary (introduced)
• Krym (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Uzbekistan (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Nov 28, 2021 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2018 by Denis Sabotier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2021 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2020 by Man_Roman (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 21, 2019 by Veronique Valette (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2020 by Rocioflores (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2017 by Josep Baldrich (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2018 by Pere Valls (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Sep 6, 2022 by Sea Cee (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Acosta García Isabel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by mauro pierini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2021 by flo badass (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2018 by Pere Valls (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 11, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Acosta García Isabel (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 4, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Tela.botanica TELA.BOTANICA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Tela.botanica TELA.BOTANICA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Tela.botanica TELA.BOTANICA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Rikardo DAVAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2021 by marçal (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 24, 2019 by Florent Feraille (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2018 by guido (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2022 by Martos nieves (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Patrice Callard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2021 by M Delta (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3921611)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:709687-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Clematis flammula L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Vine

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 4