Quick answer: Virgin's bower (Clematis virginiana) is native to 27 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: User:SB_Johnny, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Prefers moist, rich soils, also thrives in dry shade |
| Bloom | Bloom Jul-Sep |
| Height | Vine up to 20 ft |
| Wildlife value | Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, nectar for bees |
All parts poisonous: severe pain in mouth if eaten, skin irritation if touched/inhaled, burning sensation and mouth ulcers. Toxic principle: anemonin.
Can be an aggressive self-seeder; not formally regulated.
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Virgin's bower
Where is Virgin's bower native?
Virgin's bower (Clematis virginiana) is native to 27 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Virgin's bower bloom?
Virgin's bower blooms Jul-Sep. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Virgin's bower need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium water, Dry-Moist. Soil: Prefers moist, rich soils, also thrives in dry shade. Mature height: Vine up to 20 ft.
Is Virgin's bower good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, nectar for bees.
Is Virgin's bower deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Virgin's bower is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Is Virgin's bower toxic?
All parts poisonous: severe pain in mouth if eaten, skin irritation if touched/inhaled, burning sensation and mouth ulcers. Toxic principle: anemonin.
Where can I buy real Virgin's bower seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Clematis virginiana on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Virgin's bower.
- Flowering dogwood Cornus florida
- Mountain laurel Kalmia latifolia
- Common winterberry Ilex verticillata
- American holly Ilex opaca
- White oak Quercus alba
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
Also listed under
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