Clematis flammula
Family
Ranunculaceae
Genus
Clematis
Species
flammula
Clematis flammula is a temperate liana known by the common name fragrant virgin's
bower. It is native to southern Europe and northern Africa, but it is cultivated
worldwide as an ornamental plant in gardens. The woody vine bears fragrant white flowers
and small green achenes. When the flowers are newly opened they have a strong sweet
almond fragrance. The vine grows in a tangled mass that is heavily sprinkled with
flowers throughout the warmer months. It is popular with gardeners as a decoration along
fences and trellises, or as ground cover. If the vine has no other plants or structures
to climb on, it will climb on itself, forming a large, densely tangled bush. The plant
sends out many shoots and can reach over five metres in height. It is sweet-smelling but
poisonous. In some areas, this species has become a nuisance after its introduction. It
is a weed outside of gardens and landscaped areas. Clematis flammula var. maritima is a
hardier variety that is adapted to sand dunes. It is currently being studied as an agent
of soil stabilization on eroded sandy beaches.