SafePlants

Clematis versicolor: Pale Leather Flower

Also known as Pale Leather Flower, Clematis versicolor is a captivating plant appreciated for its unique flowers and interesting seedheads.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• The text mentions that the flowers give way to attractive seedheads, which might be tempting for pets or children to play with or ingest.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Clematis versicolor Small ex Rydb.
• Common Name: Pale Leather Flower
• Family: Ranunculaceae
• Rank: Species
• Nomenclatural Reference: Man. Fl. N. States Britton 421. 1901 Oct 1901
• Synonym: Viorna versicolor

Distribution and Habitat

• Clematis versicolor is found from Mississippi and Arkansas south to northeastern Texas.
• It occurs naturally in rocky or sandy areas.
• It is reported as absent/unreported for native status in some regions, but specific county data is lacking.

Morphology and Growth

• Pale Leather Flower produces an abundance of purple-and-cream bell-shaped flowers from late spring into midsummer on new growth.
• The foliage is topped with purple to white, bell-shaped flowers in May-June.
• Each flower nods at the end of its own slender stalk.

Quirky Facts

• The leather flower shapes are described as an inspiring craft supply that can be used for almost anything.
• The unusual bend in the flower is noted as a distinctive characteristic.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Clematis versicolor.
• fna.org (Flora of North America) is referenced in relation to the plant's nomenclature.