Clematis virginiana

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon)

Basics: zones 3-9, 12'-15' x 3', full sun to part shade, starry white blooms in late summer, likes a high organic content to its soil, but adaptable as to soil type. Is found in well-drained but moist sites, but is somewhat drought tolerant once established, especially in shady spots.

Common names: Virgin's Bower, Devil's Darning Needles, Devil's Hair, Love Vine, Traveler's Joy, Wild Hops, Woodbine

Family: Ranunculaceae

Origin/Distribution:  Newfoundland and Nova Scotia south to Oklahoma, Georgia, Louisiana, these plants were grown from seed collected in New England. This plant is native to Maine.

Habitat: wood's edge, damper slopes, thickets, stream banks, low and moist open woodland

More: Larval host for, among others, the Banded Hairstreak, Satyrium calanus, (pictured in Frank's photo) and the Clematis Clearwing, Alcathoe caudata, both of which are native to Maine. This lovely vine is rabbit, deer, and juglone resistant, has been used medicinally, and attracts pollinators, including hummingbirds. I am going to try it as a trailing component in flower arrangements. I am not sure it will last long in flower, but the seedheads are also interesting and will probably have a longer vase life if cut at that stage. There will certainly be plenty to cut. 

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credits: Frank Meuschke of Shelterwood Gardens