American Bells - Clematis glaucophylla

Clematis glaucophylla Small

WHITELEAF LEATHER-FLOWER

Clematis glaucophylla is native to parts of the southern United States including Alabama, Tennesse, Florida, Oklahoma, Georgia, Mississippi. The current USDA map does not accurately reflect the wild populations. Examination by the University of Tennessee herbarium identified specimens previously labeled glaucophylla from Kentucky and states north of Tennessee as viorna because all had some hairs on stems and leaves. Glaucophylla has no hairs on stems or foliage.

Glaucohylla is closely related to texensis and has bluish foliage that is very attractive against the hot pink edged in yellow flowers. In the wild it grows along stream banks in acidic to neutral soil. In zone 6 PA, it flowers from June though to October if kept moist. It will grow 10-15 feet. Hummingbirds will dip into every flower of this vine. As with other species, seed heads are ornamental.