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White Virgin's Bower

Clematis ligusticifolia

Details & Attributes


Plant Type(s) Vines
Native to Arizona Yes!
Water Needs Moderate-high
Sun Partial shade
Pollinators Butterflies
Has Spines No
Size
In relative feet, width by height
6-10 × 6-10'
Freeze Tolerant Yes
Flowering Season May-September
Flower Color White
Minimum Temperature Range -20 °F
Leaf Description Toothed, typically ovate (roughly egg shaped egg shaped)
Fruit Long, narrow "headdress" of achenes (dry single seeded fruit)
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Elevation Range 3000-8500 ft.
Description This clematis is the upland relative of C. drummondii found mostly along streams from northern Mexico to southern Canada. It is distinguished by its primarily riparian, and high elevation habitat as well as its lack of pubescence on the foliage and the shorter achenes which form the "headress" of seeds on pistillate flowers. This would be the clematis to use in high elevation gardens and in northern Arizona, and can be grown in lower parts of the state given sufficient moisture. Pair with oaks, and riparian trees such as sycamore (Platanus wrightii) and cottonwood (Populus fremontii) to mimic the natural habitat of this species.