''Clematis flammula'' is a species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, known by the common name fragrant virgin's bower. This

deciduous In the fields of horticulture and Botany, the term ''deciduous'' () means "falling off at maturity" and "tending to fall off", in reference to trees and shrubs that seasonally shed leaves, usually in the autumn; to the shedding of petals, aft ...

climbing plant is native to southern Europe and northern Africa, but it is cultivated worldwide as an

ornamental plant Ornamental plants or garden plants are plants that are primarily grown for their beauty but also for qualities such as scent or how they shape physical space. Many flowering plants and garden varieties tend to be specially bred cultivars that i ...

in gardens. It bears fragrant white flowers and small green

achene An achene (; ), also sometimes called akene and occasionally achenium or achenocarp, is a type of simple dry fruit produced by many species of flowering plants. Achenes are monocarpellate (formed from one carpel) and indehiscent (they do not ope ...

s. When the flowers are newly opened they have a strong sweet

almond The almond (''Prunus amygdalus'', syn. ''Prunus dulcis'') is a species of tree native to Iran and surrounding countries, including the Levant. The almond is also the name of the edible and widely cultivated seed of this tree. Within the genus ...

fragrance. ''Clemaatis flammula'' grows in a tangled mass that is heavily sprinkled with flowers throughout the warmer months. It is popular with gardeners as a decoration along fences and

trellis Trellis may refer to: Structures * Trellis (architecture), an architectural structure often used to support plants (especially vineyards) * Trellis drainage pattern, a drainage system Technology * Trellis (graph), a special kind of graph used ...

es, or as ground cover. If it has no other plants or structures to climb on, it will climb on itself, forming a large, densely tangled bush. The plant sends out many shoots and can reach over five metres in height. In some areas, this species has become a nuisance after its

introduction Introduction, The Introduction, Intro, or The Intro may refer to: General use * Introduction (music), an opening section of a piece of music * Introduction (writing), a beginning section to a book, article or essay which states its purpose and g ...

. It is a weed outside of gardens and landscaped areas. ''Clematis flammula'' var. ''maritima'' is a hardier variety that is adapted to sand dunes. It is currently being studied as an agent of soil stabilization on eroded sandy beaches.

Diseases

''C. flammula'' suffers from ''

Tomato spotted wilt virus Transmission and lifespan TSWV, which is transmitted by thrips, causes serious losses in economically important crops and it is one of the most economically devastating plant viruses in the world. The circulative propagative transmission of T ...

''.

External links

Clematis flammula in TopwalksUSDA Plants ProfileReferences

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q909197 flammula Flora of Africa Flora of Lebanon Flora of Europe Plants described in 1753 Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus