Sweet Autumn Clematis vs. Virgin's Bower: Seedhead Differences

Identifying the Vine

Seedheads seen in a north Georgia garden in September are likely native virgin's bower (Clematis virginiana), not invasive sweet autumn clematis (Clematis terniflora).

Expert Comparison (Lyndy Broder)

• Sweet Autumn Clematis: 4–5 achenes, orange-yellow to red-brown, pear-shaped, with 1.6" plumose tails.
• Virgin's Bower: 40–60 achenes, hairy with silvery plumose tails, seedhead ~2" long, turns golden with age.
• Leaves: Sweet autumn has smooth edges; virgin's bower has unevenly toothed leaves.

Images

Native virgin's bower clematis seeds

Sweet autumn clematis seeds

Sweet autumn clematis

See Also

Leaves of Sweet Autumn Clematis and Virgin's Bower Clematis Compared.