Fauna
Flower

Italian Clematis

Clematis viticella

Also known as Italian Leather Flower, Purple Clematis, Virgin's Bower

Italian clematis is a vigorous deciduous climber known for its nodding, bell-shaped flowers in shades of purple, blue, and magenta that bloom profusely throughout summer. It scrambles over hedges, arbors, and neighboring trees using its sensitive leaf petioles to coil around supports. In garden settings, it serves as a foundation for hundreds of modern hybrid cultivars, valued for its exceptional resistance to clematis wilt.

ClimberPurple FlowersDeciduous
Italian Clematis reference1 / 7
(c) Patrick Hacker, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Patrick Hacker · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic
Predators
  • Slugs
  • Snails
  • Caterpillars
ThreatsHabitat clearing in wild native ranges
HabitatsScrublands, woodland edges, riverbanks, gardens
Life span10–20 years
Classification
  1. OrderRanunculales
  2. FamilyRanunculaceae
  3. GenusClematis
  4. SpeciesClematis viticella
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Sap can cause mild skin irritation and foliage is toxic if ingested; handle with care.
Why it is dangerous
Contains ranunculin which converts to protoanemonin upon crushing, causing contact dermatitis and internal distress if eaten.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by slender vine stems, four-petaled purple-blue flowers, and delicate leaf petioles.
What to do
Wear gardening gloves when pruning stems and keep foliage out of reach of pets.
Responsible observation
  • Pruning: Cut stems back to low buds in early spring to encourage dense summer blooms.
  • Root Care: Keep root zones cool and shaded with mulch or companion planting while leaves enjoy full sun.
  • Support: Provide thin trellises or wires that petioles can easily twist around.
Related species
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