Virgin's-bower
Clematis virginiana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Clematis virginiana is a native climbing vine that produces fragrant white flowers from July through September across eastern and central North America. This adaptable plant thrives in various light conditions and attracts bees and beetles.
Virgin's-bower 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Virgin's-bower as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
120"–300" H × 36"–120" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 33 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Virgin's-bower is a vigorous native vine that produces masses of small white flowers in late summer followed by feathery seed heads. This deciduous climber can quickly cover fences, trellises, or arbors with its attractive foliage and fragrant blooms.
Growing Virgin's-bower
Grow Virgin's-bower in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 120 to 300 inches tall and spread 36 to 120 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Virgin's-bower takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely vigorous growth can appear uncontrolled
- May be perceived as wild or weedy by neighbors
- Requires frequent pruning to maintain neat appearance
Wildlife value
The abundant summer flowers attract bees and beetles for nectar and pollen. Birds use the fluffy seed heads as nesting material in fall.
Common questions
- When does Clematis virginiana bloom?
- Clematis virginiana blooms from July through September, producing clusters of small, fragrant white flowers.
- What pollinators visit Virgin's-bower?
- Virgin's-bower attracts bees and beetles with its fragrant flowers, making it valuable for supporting native pollinator populations.
- Where is Clematis virginiana native?
- Virgin's-bower is native across much of eastern and central North America, from Maine to Florida and west to North Dakota, Kansas, and Texas.
- What growing conditions does Virgin's-bower prefer?
- This adaptable vine tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels, though it performs well with medium water.
- Is Virgin's-bower toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Virgin's-bower 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 Virgin's-bower toxic to cats?
- Yes. Virgin's-bower 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.
- Is Virgin's-bower toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Virgin's-bower as toxic to livestock.
- Is Virgin's-bower HOA-friendly?
- Virgin's-bower 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 Virgin's-bower and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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