Ground virginsbower (Clematis recta, Sp. Pl.: 544 (1753))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 544 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Clematis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Caucasus

Description

Ground virginsbower, known scientifically as Clematis recta, is a captivating herbaceous perennial belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. Originating from various regions across Europe and extending to the Caucasus, this plant offers a stunning display with its upright, bushy form and prolific clusters of delicate white flowers.

Clematis recta, first formally described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” has continued to be a subject of interest for botanists and garden enthusiasts alike due to its unique growth habit and aesthetic appeal. Unlike many Clematis species that are climbers, this variety remains erect, forming a shrub-like presence in gardens.

This plant thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. When in bloom, usually from late spring to early summer, Ground virginsbower adorns itself with cascading panicles of small, star-shaped flowers that emit a subtle, pleasant fragrance. These blossoms, coupled with its glossy, green foliage, make it a striking addition to any landscape design.

Beyond its ornamental value, Clematis recta also plays a role in supporting local ecosystems. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are crucial for maintaining biodiversity.

Overall, Ground virginsbower, or Clematis recta, is cherished not only for its beauty but also for its ecological benefits. Whether cultivated in naturalistic plantings or traditional gardens, this species remains a timeless feature that continues to captivate and inspire.

Common Names

Deu: aufrechte waldrebe
Eng: ground virginsbower, upright clematis, ground clematis, ground virgin’s-bower
Lav: augstais mežvītenis
Fin: pensaskärhö
Swe: pensaskärhö, styvklematis
Nno: stivranke
Nob: stivranke, stivklematis
Nld: stijve clematis
Fra: clématite dressée, clématite droite
En: Ground virginsbower, Upright clematis, Ground clematis, Ground virgin’s-bower, Erect Clematis, Upright Virgin’s Bower
Az: Düz ağəsmə
Be: Павойнік прамы
Bg: Прав повет
Ca: Herba bormera
Zh: 威靈仙
Kw: Ruwvanes an koos
Cs: Plamének přímý
Da: Hvid Staudeklematis
Nl: Stijve clematis
Et: Püst-elulõng
Fi: Pensaskärhö
Fr: Clématite dressée, Clématite droite
De: Aufrechte Waldrebe
Hu: Felálló iszalag
It: Clematide eretta
Lv: Augstais mežvītenis
Nb: Stivranke, Stivklematis
Nn: Stivranke
Pl: Powojnik prosty
Ru: Ломонос прямой
Sk: Plamienok vzpriamený
Es: Clemátide recta
Sv: Styvklematis, Pensaskärhö
Cy: Barf y hen gŵr

Synonyms

• Clematis mandshurica var. lathyrifolia (Maxim.)
• Clematis recta var. glaucescens (Regel)
• Clematis corymbosa (Poir.)
• Clematis erecta (L.)
• Clematis hispanica (Mill.)
• Clematis umbraticola (Schur)
• Clematis bracteosa (Banks ex Steud.)
• Clematis tenuiflora (DC.)
• Clematis recta f. pleniflora ((Kuntze) Rehder)
• Clematis erecta var. plena (Lemoine ex T.Moore & Jackman)
• Anemone recta ((L.) E.H.L.Krause)
• Clematitis erecta ((L.) Couret-Vill.)
• Clematis recta var. pleniflora (Kuntze)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken Aug 12, 2021 by Fabrice Mélet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2018 by Marc Celeste (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2018 by Fernando Lozano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 28, 2021 by Marie Jouffrais (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 22, 2020 by Pedrocchi César (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2018 by Escoda Joseo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2021 by Annett Kühn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Tomaž Jančar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2020 by Xavier Lacroix (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2022 by Angela Gorman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Roman L. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 28, 2019 by Miha Leitinger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2022 by d3uu10z (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2019 by Guy Coursimault (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by E K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Jean-Louis Imbert (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 23, 2010 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2018 by Roberta Salvi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2022 by Ben Goodwin (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033543)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:710023-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Clematis recta L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Vine

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 6

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 4