Family: Ranunculaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Cent. Pl. I: 15 (1755)
Year: 1755
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Clematis
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Virgin’s-bower, known scientifically as Clematis virginiana, is a captivating member of the Ranunculaceae family. This perennial vine thrives in a range of habitats, making its home in parts of Central and Eastern Canada, as well as Central and Eastern regions of the United States. Its adaptability to different environments has made it a common sight across these broad geographical areas.
This plant is notable for its lush, climbing foliage and delicate, white flowers that bloom in clusters typically from mid-summer to early fall. Virgin’s-bower can often be found winding its way through woodlands, over fences, and along stream banks, where it adds a touch of wild beauty to the landscape.
The flowers of Virgin’s-bower are particularly striking, with their star-like appearance and subtle yet sweet fragrance that attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Following the blooming period, the plant produces feathery seed heads that provide visual interest well into the winter months.
The leaves of Clematis virginiana are compound with three to five leaflets each, often displaying a vibrant green hue that complements the plant’s clusters of white blossoms. The vine itself can grow quite vigorously, sometimes reaching lengths of up to 20 feet, making it an excellent option for creating natural screens or adding vertical interest to a garden space.
Historically, this species was first described in the mid-18th century, with its formal classification credited to the renowned botanist L. in the publication “Cent. Pl. I: 15” (1755). Since then, Virgin’s-bower has continued to be appreciated not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its ecological benefits, such as providing habitat and food sources for various wildlife.
In summary, Virgin’s-bower is a versatile and visually appealing vine that enhances natural and cultivated spaces alike. Its presence in North American flora is both a testament to its resilience and a reminder of the subtle elegance found in native plant species.
Common Names
Eng: devil’s darning needles, devil’s-darning-needles, virgin’s bower, virgin’s-bower, virginia bower, virginia clematis, virginia virgin’s-bower
Fra: clématite de virginie, herbe aux gueux
Swe: virginsk skogsklematis
En: Virgin’s-bower, Devil’s darning needles, Virgin’s bower, White clematis, Devil’s-Darning-Needles, VIRGINIA BOWER, Virginia clematis, Virginia virgin’s-bower
Bg: Вирджински повет
Fi: Virginiankärhö
Fr: Clématite de Virginie, Herbe aux gueux
Fa: کلماتیس ویرجینیایی
Ru: Ломонос виргинский
Sv: Virginsk skogsklematis
Synonyms
- Clematis bracteata ((Moench) DC.)
- Clematis fragrans (Salisb.)
- Clematis pensylvanica (Donn ex Turcz.)
- Clematis missouriensis (Rydb.)
- Clematis cordifolia ((Moench) DC.)
- Clematis dioica subsp. virginiana ((L.) Kuntze)
- Clematis holosericea (Pursh)
- Clematis virginiana var. missouriensis ((Rydb.) E.J.Palmer & Steyerm.)
- Clematis virginiana var. genuina (Kuntze)
- Clematis purshii (D.Dietr.)
- Clematis virginiana f. missouriensis ((Rydb.) Fernald)
- Clematitis virginiana ((L.) Couret-Vill.)
- Clematis canadensis (Mill.)
- Clematitis bracteata (Moench)
- Clematis virginiana var. bracteata ((Moench) DC.)
- Clematitis cordifolia (Moench)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Myanmar (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Oct 30, 2022 by Виола Шох (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Dustin Winzer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Stephen Hopkins (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 5, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 5, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 2, 2013 by EOL − Ann Walter-Fromson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 7, 2014 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 5, 2017 by Samantha Scott (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2020 by Kerry Ranger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 18, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 21, 2021 by dc miller (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2020 by Sharon Kale (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 13, 2021 by Raymond Carr (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 5, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2021 by Sylvie Sylvie Bourrelly (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 29, 2013 by EOL − Bob Heitzman (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 29, 2013 by EOL − Bob Heitzman (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 18, 2013 by EOL − Bob Heitzman (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Amélie Lampron (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 5, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Feb 12, 2016 by EOL − Kent McFarland (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 21, 2007 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 7, 2022 by Parise Julie (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Lyndon Cousins (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 15, 2020 by AnnA (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 17, 2015 by EOL − cjbooker (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033541)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:710188-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Clematis virginiana L.)
Specifications
Growth form: Single Crown
Growth habit: Vine
Growth rate: Slow
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.8
Ph minimum: 5.0