An Herb to Know: Virgin's Bower

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An Herb

to Know: Virgin's Bower

 

Virgin's bower (Clematis virginiana), also known as woodbine, devil's

darning needles, and old man's beard, is a deciduous perennial

twining vine native to the eastern US. A member of the Buttercup

family (Ranunculaceae), it is hardy between USDA zones 3 and 8. This

native clematis is similar in appearance to sweet autumn clematis

(Clematis terniflora), a non-native species that has escaped

cultivation in many places. The leaves of the latter are rounded and

entire, whereas the leaves of virgin's bower are toothed.

 

Virgin's bower is a late summer and fall blooming plant, flowering

from July to October. The approximately 1.5 inch white flowers are

showy and fragrant, attracting bees, butterflies, and birds.

Preferring full sun to partial shade (although it will bloom quite

well even in shade), virgin's bower grows 12 to 20 feet high. The

whorled, plume-like seed heads are distinctive, yet quite decorative,

and resemble an old man's beard, hence one of the many common names

for this plant.

 

It is an easy to grow vine that readily naturalizes and is perfect

for a trellis, arbor, lamppost, or along a fence; however, it can

become weedy or invasive because of its vigorous growth habit. It is

found in the wild in low moist woodlands, and along stream banks and

fencerows. Propagate virgin's bower from seed or woody stem cuttings.