Scarlet Leatherflower
Clematis texensis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Scarlet Leatherflower is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
96"–120" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
TX
Pollinators
butterflies, hummingbirds
Before you buy
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Scarlet Leatherflower is a native Texas vine that produces bright red, bell-shaped flowers from spring through late summer. This climbing perennial dies back to the ground in winter and regrows each spring, reaching 8-10 feet in height with proper support.
In an HOA neighborhood
Scarlet Leatherflower takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires support structure
- Can appear messy
Wildlife value
The tubular red flowers are specifically adapted to attract hummingbirds, while butterflies also visit for nectar. This vine provides excellent wildlife habitat and food sources throughout the growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Scarlet Leatherflower need?
- Scarlet Leatherflower grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Scarlet Leatherflower bloom?
- Scarlet Leatherflower blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Scarlet Leatherflower native?
- Scarlet Leatherflower (Clematis texensis) is native to TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Scarlet Leatherflower toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Scarlet Leatherflower is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Scarlet Leatherflower toxic to cats?
- Yes. Scarlet Leatherflower is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What pollinators does Scarlet Leatherflower attract?
- Scarlet Leatherflower draws butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Is Scarlet Leatherflower HOA-friendly?
- Scarlet Leatherflower takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Scarlet Leatherflower and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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