Toxic Plant Known to be toxic - Toxic to mammals if ingested. ike other Clematis, plant material is harmful if eaten. Keep away from children and pets.
Image of Clematis virginiana
Source: Donna Bos

Plant Names

image of Vine
Clematis virginiana
Virgin's Bower
Clématite de Virginie

Synonyms

devil's darning needles
virgin's-bower
Virginia virgin's-bower
herbe aux gueux

Plant Characteristics

Bloom Colour: White Bloom Period: Aug - Oct
Max Height: 9.0 feet
Max Width: 4.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light Condition:
Full sun More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will come back year after year Plant is dioecious Need a male and female plant to produce seeds
Gardener Experience:
beginner friendly Suitable for beginner gardeners
plant spread by rhizome Spreads by rhizome
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape Uses: No landscape information available.
Ecological Benefits: No ecological benefits information available.
Tolerates:
Deer Resistant Deer resistant
Rabbit Resistant Rabbit resistant
Limestone Tolerant Tolerates limestone conditions
Juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
Transplantation Tolerant Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:
septic tank safe This plant is septic tank safe
causes skin rashes This plant causes skin rashes

Seed and plant distribution status

No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant

Fun Facts

Virgin's Bower is a vigorous climbing vine covered with masses of small white flowers in late summer and early fall. The flowers are followed by attractive silvery, feathery seed heads. It naturally grows along woodland edges, stream banks, hedgerows, and open areas. It prefers moist to average soil. It needs substantial support. Prune hard in late winter or early spring if necessary. It is excellent for covering fences, large trellises, or unsightly structures. Give it plenty of room.

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: Yes

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Clematis virginiana
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Atlantic Maritime
  • Boreal Plains
  • Boreal Shield
  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Clematis virginiana

No butterfly data available for this plant.

Specialized Bees Supported by Clematis virginiana

No bee data available for this plant.

Complementary Plants

  • No complementary plants found.

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Clematis (Non-native Clematis)
  • Lonicera).1 (Non-Native Honeysuckle)
  • Hedera helix (English Ivy)
  • Ipomoea (Morning Glories)

Sowing Information

Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
  • Sow by March
  • Stratification duration: 30 days
  • Self-seeding
  • Notes: Best planted outdoors in fall.

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: September
  • Harvesting indicator:
    • Seeds have become fluffy and can be easily removed by shaking on gently pulling off from stem
  • Harvesting:
    • Use hand to detach from main stem
  • Seed viability test:
    • No test needed before donating
  • Packaging measure: A dozen (12) seeds (eyeball)
  • Seed storage:
    • Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
    • Shake seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • Cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
  • Harvesting video: Watch here

Toxicity Notes

Toxic to mammals if ingested. ike other Clematis, plant material is harmful if eaten. Keep away from children and pets.