Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Although small in size, the flowers of Clematis virginiana are large in number and attract a variety of pollinators – bees, wasps, butterflies and moths. They also seem to be a good hunting ground for mates as evidenced in this video by the activities of Eremnophila aureonotata. If you observe a rather large insect flying around in summer near abundant wildflower clusters – Pycnanthemum, Daucus carota, Rudbeckia, Clematis virginiana, Eupatorium, Solidago – look closely, because it may actually be a pair of these thread-waisted wasps flying together – the male on top just hitching a ride or busy mating. Video © 2019 Mary Free
In eastern North American lowlands, this vigorous native vine quickly climbs by twining or trails along the ground in twisted fashion. A prolific bloomer, its white flowers attract pollinators late summer into fall followed by showy seed heads reminiscent of an “old man’s beard,” another of its common names.
Print Version (Legal Size): Clematis virginiana (Virgin’s-bower)Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: Tried and True Plant Fact Sheets