SafePlants

Alabama Leather Flower (Clematis socialis)

The Alabama leather flower, scientifically known as Clematis socialis, is a rare and endangered perennial herb belonging to the buttercup family.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Clematis socialis Kral
• Common Name: Alabama leather flower
• Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms: None explicitly mentioned, but note the reference to other Clematis species like Clematis morefieldii and Clematis crispa, which may be confused with it.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Alabama.
• Found near forest edges, preferring wet conditions and full sunlight.
• Historically known to exist at only two sites in Alabama (St. Clair County and Cherokee County) prior to 1991.
• A preserve in St. Clair County protects one of the few populations.
• Recently discovered in Georgia as well.

Ecological Role

• Classified as endangered both on the U.S. Endangered Species List and within Alabama.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Described as a small, rare, non-vining perennial herb.
• Grows to around 15 inches tall.
• Produces blue, urn-shaped flowers in late spring.
• Rhizomatous.

Genetic and Cytological Information

• High clonal diversity despite limited seed set and seedling recruitment.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Two main pollinator insects are the Bumblebee (in early flowering years) and Solitary Bee (in later flowering years)

Further Information

• Alabama Natural Heritage Program
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Dave's Garden
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Alabama Plant Atlas
• Joy Creek Photo Archive