Clematis morefieldii Kral
MOREFIELD'S LEATHER-FLOWER
A vine up to 16 feet in height (5 m), Clematis morefieldii is closely related to Clematis viorna. The most distinguishing trait is the cobwebby tomentose and pubescence of its stems which viorna does not have. It has been documented in southern Tennessee and a small area in northern Alabama where it is found in woods among limestone rock. The flowers are urn-shaped, pinkish with green, margins not crispate. Foliage is thin and reticulate, lobed to unlobed, and the terminal leaflet has a tendril.
It has only recently been made available to gardeners, and Woodlanders in Aiken, SC is the source. No information yet available on hardiness.
Images:
|
|
|
Some pictures © Carlen Emanuel/University of Tennessee Herbarium
Identification:
Notes: "From all variants of the closely related Clematis viorna , C. morefieldii differs in the cobwebby tomentose as well as villous pubescence of its stems, and in having bracts at or very near the base of the peduncle rather than well above the base." Quote from "Flora of North America".Distribution:
 |
|
Not included on the USDA map, but this species is also found in Franklin County, TN. |