Clematis virginiana L. var. missouriensis (Rydb.) Palmer & Steyerm.
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Clematis virginiana L. Wild clematis, virgin’s bower, old man’s beard, devil’s darning needles
Wild clematis is a North American native vine. It is a member of the buttercup family. Identification: This vine grows to 12-15' (3.7-4.6 m), climbing with the aid of twisted stems. Its leaf clusters are in groups of three, making it somewhat similar in appearance to poison ivy, but its leaf clusters are opposite to each other, while poison ivy's are alternate. Showy flower clusters are composed of fragrant white or cream flowers up to 1" (2.5 cm) across, with five petals. The flowers become soft, silky seeds, a distinctive characteristic. Similar species: |
8/20/2012 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, Massachusetts
(The leaves are mulberry.) · 9/1/2013 · Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia |
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| You are here Clematis virginiana |
Toxicodendron radicans |
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| Plant | Vine 12-15' (3.7-4.6 m) long. | A low plant, a bush, a vine on the ground, or a vine that climbs trees. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Flowers | Showy white or cream clusters, each flower about 1" (2.5 cm) across, with five petals and many stamens. | Small, yellowish-green, inconspicuous. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Leaves | In clusters of three; clusters are opposite to each other, not alternating. | In groups of tree, shiny when young, alternating. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Seeds | Soft, silky fluffs. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fruit | Small greenish-white berries. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Habitats | Low, moist woods; thickets; stream banks | Disturbed areas, roadsides, waste areas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type | Wild | Wild | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occurrence | Common | Common | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Edibility: Poisonous 
All parts of this plant are poisonous.
Causes severe mouth pain and mouth ulcers if eaten; also a skin irritant.
Medical: Some native Americans used extracts from wild clematis for various ailments.
Online References:
Southeastern Flora, the Southeastern U.S. Plant Identification Resource
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The Connecticut Botanical Society's Connecticut wildflowers site
The University of Wisconsin's Robert W. Freckmann Herbarium
8/8/2009 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton, Massachusetts
≈ 16 × 14" (41 × 34 cm) 
ID is uncertain 
8/20/2012 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, Massachusetts
≈ 5 × 4½" (13 × 11 cm) 
8/8/2009 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton, Massachusetts
≈ 6 × 4½" (15 × 11 cm) ID is uncertain 
9/11/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, Massachusetts
≈ 9 × 6" (22 × 14 cm) 
9/11/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, Massachusetts
≈ 12 × 8" (31 × 20 cm) 
8/20/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Ayer, Massachusetts
≈ 4½ × 3" (11 × 7.9 cm) 
8/8/2009 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton, Massachusetts
≈ 11 × 7" (27 × 18 cm) ID is uncertain 
8/20/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Ayer, Massachusetts
≈ 4 × 3" (10 × 7.9 cm) 
9/21/2012 · By Jacquelyn Boyt 
8/20/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Ayer, Massachusetts
≈ 7 × 4½" (17 × 11 cm) 
Clematis virginiana description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 16 Sep 2020.
© FloraFinder.org. All rights reserved.
9/11/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, Massachusetts
≈ 7 × 4½" (17 × 11 cm) 
9/11/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, Massachusetts
≈ 6 × 4" (15 × 10 cm) 
8/8/2009 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton, Massachusetts
≈ 12 × 8" (31 × 20 cm) ID is uncertain 
8/20/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Ayer, Massachusetts
≈ 6 × 6" (15 × 14 cm) 
9/29/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Ayer, Massachusetts
≈ 5 × 3½" (13 × 9.2 cm) 
8/20/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Ayer, Massachusetts
≈ 7 × 11" (18 × 27 cm) 
9/21/2012 · By Jacquelyn Boyt 
9/11/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, Massachusetts
≈ 8 × 7" (19 × 18 cm) 
9/1/2013 · Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia
≈ 33 × 22" (84 × 56 cm) 
Range: Zones 3-8:
