Swamp Leatherflower
Clematis crispa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Swamp Leatherflower is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). 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
full sun
Water
medium
Size
96"–120" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 11 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, nectar insects
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Swamp Leatherflower is a native Texas vine that produces distinctive purple, bell-shaped flowers with recurved petals from spring through summer. This climbing perennial grows 8-10 feet tall and works well on trellises, fences, or arbors where it can receive full sun.
In an HOA neighborhood
Swamp 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 nectar-rich flowers attract butterflies and other beneficial insects throughout the long blooming season. As a native clematis, it provides important food sources for pollinators from March through August.
Common questions
- How much sun does Swamp Leatherflower need?
- Swamp Leatherflower grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Swamp Leatherflower bloom?
- Swamp Leatherflower blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Swamp Leatherflower native?
- Swamp Leatherflower (Clematis crispa) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 11 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Swamp Leatherflower toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Swamp 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 Swamp Leatherflower toxic to cats?
- Yes. Swamp 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 Swamp Leatherflower attract?
- Swamp Leatherflower draws butterflies and nectar insects.
- Is Swamp Leatherflower HOA-friendly?
- Swamp 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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 Swamp Leatherflower and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.