Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 6374790

Solitary Virgin's-bower

Clematis integrifolia

Also known as Bushy Clematis, Solitary Clematis, Integrifolia Clematis, Eurasian Bush Clematis

Solitary Virgin's-bower is a unique, non-climbing perennial subshrub that forms neat herbaceous clumps rather than climbing with tendrils. Deep violet-blue bell-shaped flowers nod gracefully atop upright stems throughout midsummer before giving way to persistent, silky silver seed heads. Native to damp meadows and scrublands across Eurasia, it serves as a valuable nectar source for bees while adding refined structural elegance to naturalistic gardens.

PerennialFloweringOrnamental
Solitary Virgin's-bower reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Conrad Altmann, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Conrad Altmann · 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 & prey
  • Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Slugs
  • Snails
  • Aphids
ThreatsHabitat loss, agricultural conversion, invasive weed competition
HabitatsDamp meadows, river valleys, shrublands, forest margins
Life span10–20 years
Classification
  1. OrderRanunculales
  2. FamilyRanunculaceae
  3. GenusClematis
  4. SpeciesClematis integrifolia
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
Plant sap contains protoanemonin; wear gloves when handling and avoid ingestion.
Why it is dangerous
Contains protoanemonin, an irritating chemical compound that causes mouth burning, gastrointestinal distress, and contact dermatitis.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by its non-twining upright stems, smooth unlobed leaves, and solitary nodding violet bell flowers.
What to do
Wear gloves when cutting back stems or handling foliage, and keep away from pets and curious children.
Responsible observation
  • Support Stems: Stake weak stems or let them sprawl through sturdy neighbor plants since stems lack twining petioles.
  • Pruning Strategy: Cut back stems to near ground level in early spring to encourage vigorous new flowering shoots.
  • Autumn Interest: Retain fluffy silver seed heads late into autumn for persistent visual appeal and seed-eating birds.
Related species
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