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Japanese Virgin's-bower

Clematis terniflora

Found in disturbed areas. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), South Central edition What its natural habitat tells you

-55
Severe harm

Not native to Alabama. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 65%

Height
15–30 feet
Spread
15–30 feet
Light
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil moisture
Somewhat dry to average
See native alternatives

Do not plant. Listed invasive in Alabama.

Plant this instead

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  • Virginia Virgin's-bower
    Clematis virginiana

    Sun: Dappled sunlight, Deep shade, Full sun, Partial shade. Soil: Usually moist. Flowers: White.

    Similar growth form, height, flower color

    Different: spread

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At a glance

Life cycle
Woody perennial
Leaves
Deciduous or semi-evergreen

Not yet recorded · Bloom

Recorded in 34 Alabama counties.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

Roadsides, fields and disturbed ground

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

All habitats

Also found with this plant

Wildlife whose habitat models include habitats this plant grows in, in Alabama. Shared habitat, not food. 127 animals.

All wildlife of Alabama

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

11CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including AL

Genus host records with ranges including AL · Clematis

  • Alcathoe carolinensisClematis Borer Moth
  • Alcathoe caudataClematis Borer, Clematis Clearwing Moth
  • Eutrapela clematariaCurved-Tooth Geometer, Purplish Brown Looper
  • Horisme intestinataBrown Bark Carpet
  • Hyphantria cuneaFall Webworm
  • Orgyia leucostigmaWhite-Marked Tussock Moth
  • Platynota idaeusalisTufted Apple-Bud Moth
  • Pleuroprucha insulsariaCommon Tan Wave
  • Pseudothyris sepulchralisMournful Thyris
  • Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformisEvergreen Bagworm Moth
Show all 11
  • Thyris maculataSpotted Thyris
Shropshire & Tallamy 2025, Lepidoptera of North America north of Mexico, ZooKeys 1261 (ODbL)
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Ranunculaceae
Hardiness
Zones 5a–9a
Flower color
Cream or white

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope
Also known as

Clematis dioscoreifolia; Japanese Virgin's bower; Sweet Autumn Virgins Bower

Conservation status

Alabama rankSNA
Global rankGNR
AL statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources