Abundant clusters of fragrant creamy white flowers in August and September give way to lots of silky seed heads. Seed heads are only produced on female plants. The foliage is bright green. Plants climb by twisting leaf-stalks around objects. Vines are semi-woody. Showy seedheads on females. Note: there are similar species (Clematis terniflora, or sweet autumn clematis) that are invasive and can be very hard to tell apart.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Virginia Clematis
Clematis virginiana
Plant Type: Vines
Native Environment: Stream Edge, Wetland
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost)
Main Color: White
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Cover, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
12 to
20
feet
Spread:
3 to
4
feet
Size
Height: 12 to
20
feet
Spread: 3 to
4
feet
Size
Height: 12 to
20
feet
Spread: 3 to
4
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Plant near trellis work where the leaf stalks can easily wrap around the support or allow it to scramble along the ground in a woodland setting.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in sun or part shade in average to moist soil. Blooms on new growth. May be pruned back hard (8-12 in. from the ground) to strong leaf buds in fall after flowering or in late winter to early spring. Needs adequate supply of nutrients during the growing season to support rush of growth. Mow around plants to prevent them from spreading by seeds and suckers.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fragrant
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.