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swamp leather flower
Scientific Name: Clematis crispa
Family: Ranunculaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: IL (blue jasmine), KY (blue jasmine leather-flower
Swamp Leather Flower (Clematis crispa)
The Swamp Leather Flower, scientifically known as Clematis crispa, is a captivating perennial vine native to North America, particularly thriving in the southeastern United States.
Common Names
- Swamp Leather Flower
- Curly Clematis
- Blue Jasmine
- Curlflower
- Marsh Clematis
- Curled Virgin's Bower
- Blue Jessamine
- Swamp Leatherflower
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Clematis crispa L.
- Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
- Kingdom: (Implied) Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
Distribution and Habitat
Clematis crispa is native to the southeastern United States, growing as far north as Illinois and west to Texas. It thrives in wooded floodplains, swamps, and marshes. While prevalent in the Southeast, isolated populations can also be found in more northern regions.
Morphological Characteristics
- A perennial vine, typically reaching a height of 1.5-2.5 meters (approximately 6-10 feet).
- Features lavender, bell-shaped flowers, approximately 2 inches long, with curled and ruffled, recurved edges. These flowers can exhibit pinkish purple hues and have violet overtones, white eyes, and yellow anthers. Flower colors also can be purple, violet, white, or pink.
- The plant has pinnately compound leaves.
- The flowers grow on a naked stem.
Ecological Role
As its common name suggests, the Swamp Leather Flower is well-adapted to wet environments and prefers moist soil conditions.
Clematis crispa is brittle, making it a delicate vine.
Quirky Facts
- One observer noted that the petals of Clematis crispa, when viewed from below, resemble a Maltese cross.
- The name "Swamp Leather Flower" has been described as unfortunate, as it doesn't reflect the plant's beauty. "Blue Jasmine" is suggested as a more appealing alternative.
Further Information
- Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Clematis crispa.
- Project Noah can be used to explore and document local wildlife.
- Thomson Reuters Biology Browser is a database of biology resources and web links.
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database provides resources.