Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Virgin's-bower (Clematis virginiana)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Ranunculales>Ranunculaceae>Clematis virginiana L.

Virgin's-bower (Clematis virginiana)

Virgin's-bower is a showy native vine, most common in the the Mountains, uncommon in the northern Piedmont, and rare in the southern Piedmont and Coastal Plain of North Carolina. The leaves are three-parted, but can easily be distinguished from Poison-Ivy because they're opposite instead of alternate. The invasive exotic Sweet Autumn Clematis (C. terniflora) is similar, but has 5-parted untoothed leaves and very fragrant flowers.

Durham Co., NC 8/21/05.

Virgin's-bower (Clematis virginiana)

Virgin's-bower puts on a show as it clambers over shrubs.

Durham Co., NC 8/21/05.

Virgin's-bower (Clematis virginiana)

The white flowers are beautiful but unscented.

Durham Co., NC 8/21/05.

Virgin's-bower (Clematis virginiana)

Flower detail.

Carroll Co., VA 7/24/05.

Virgin's-bower (Clematis virginiana)

The fruits have more carpels than Sweet Autumn Clematis. Carroll Co., VA 9/4/05.

Virgin's-bower (Clematis virginiana)

Carroll Co., VA 9/4/05.

Virgin's-bower (Clematis virginiana)

Person Co., NC 6/13/06.

Virgin's-bower (Clematis virginiana) fruits

Fully mature seedheads are quite ornamental.

Carroll Co., VA 10/26/08.

Virgin's-bower (Clematis virginiana) fruits

Carroll Co., VA 10/26/08.

Virgin's-bower (Clematis virginiana) fruits

Carroll Co., VA 10/26/08.

Virgin's-bower (Clematis virginiana) fruits

Carroll Co., VA 10/26/08.

More information:
Connecticut Wildflowers
Missouri Plants
USDA PLANTS database

Recommended Tree, Shrub, and Woody Vine Identification Guides