Embedded Files
Virgin's Bower
Toxicity
Toxicity
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms: Abdominal cramping, blisters, bloody urine, burning sensation, confusion, convulsions, diarrhea, dizziness, eye inflammation, fainting, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, salivation, skin irritation, ulcers, weakness, vomiting.
Duration of Symptoms: Varies depending on individual.
Rate of Poison: Rapid
Causes Death: Rare
Treatment: Antiinflammatory, gastric lavage
Virgin's Bower is an extremely common native plant that spreads aggressively. It clematis is agreeable to grow in many places and conditions. However, coming in contact with this plant can cause severe irritation. During the Roman era, poorer people have used this plant to gain sympathy by using the acrid juice to cause blisters and sores on their hands.
Photo: Malcolm Manners - Wikimedia Commons
License: Creative Commons 2.0
Main Toxin
Main Toxin
Molecular structure of protoanemonin (ChemDraw)
Protoanemonin
Protoanemonin
Protoanemonin is an unsaturated lactone responsible for the pleasant aroma in fruits. However, it can also cause dermatitis and other skin conditions when someone comes into contact with the toxin. The formation of protoanemonin occurs when the plant is freshly damaged. This compound has dual effects: it may inhibit DNA polymerase (which is responsible for DNA repair) while simultaneously increasing oxygen free radicals. These free radicals are reactive and damaging to skin components, including DNA, resulting in various skin conditions.
Additionally, protoanemonin is a yellow oil that forms from the ranunculin glycoside via hydrolysis. When a water molecule breaks down ranunculin, it produces protoanemonin. This compound has further consequences: it alkylates proteins and DNA. As a result, it causes irritation of the mucus membranes, leading to inflammation in the stomach. Common symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting. The same mechanism can also lead to kidney problems.
Level of Toxin: 0.1% - 1% (needs verification)
Impacting Dosage: Varies (small amounts)
Other Toxins and Chemical Components
Other Toxins and Chemical Components
Anemonin
Anemonin
While not as toxic as protoanemonin, anemonin is a metabolite of protoanemonin (forms from the breakdown of protoanemonin). It is also a skin irritant.
Level of Toxin: Unknown
Impacting Dosage: Varies
Helleborein
Helleborin
Hellebrin
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: Leaves, sap
Contact Hazard: Dermatitis
Animals Affected: Cats, dogs, horses
Medicinal Value
Medicinal Value
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: Flowers, leaves, root.
Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumor, anti-viral, diaphoretic, diuretic, hallucinogenic, purgative, stimulant, sudorific, vesicant.
Components: Alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids.
Antidote: None known.
Preparation: Infusion, ointment, poultice.
Historical Uses
Historical Uses
Current Uses
Current Uses
Treatments
Treatments
Backache: Infusion with milkweed
Cancer
Cuts
Eczema
Fever
Itching
Kidney Problems: Infusion of the root.
Nephrosis
Renosis
Scrofula
Sores
Stomach Problems: Infusion of the root.
Tumor
Ulcers
Venereal Disease: Infusion of the root.
Location
Location
Africa: Clematis species were used for eczema.
North America: Cherokee used infusion of root to treat kidney and stomach problems. They also used an infusion of the plant with milkweed to treat backaches. Iroquois used root to treat venereal disease.
Claimed Treatments
Claimed Treatments
Headaches: Infusion of leaves and flowers. Inhalation of bruised leaves or root.
Itching Skin: Ointment or poultice with other plants.
Skin Ulcers: Ointment or poultice with other plants.
Sores: Ointment or poultice with other plants.
Location
Location
North America
Edibility
Edibility
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: None known
Nutrients: None known
Taste: Bitter
WARNING: !DO NOT CONSUME!
Historical Uses
Historical Uses
Current Uses
Current Uses
Preparation Methods
Preparation Methods
None known
Preparation Methods
Preparation Methods
None known
General Facts
General Facts
Plant Facts
Plant Facts
Illustration of Virgin's Bower by Banta, Nathaniel Moore, 1867-; Schneider, Albert, 1863-; Higley, William Kerr, 1860-1908; Abbott, Gerard Alan - Wikimedia Commons
Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
Genus: Clematis
Other Names: American Virgin's Bower, Devil's Darning Needles, Lady's Bower, Leather Flower, Old Man's Beard, Woodbine
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Bloom Colours: White
Bloom Time: July - September
Type: Perennial
Height: 3 - 20 feet
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Habitat: Bushes, fencerows, forest edges, roadsides, shrublands, stream banks, swamps, thickets
Origin: North America
States: AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, ME, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV
Provinces: MB, NB, NS, ON, PE, QC
Related Species
Related Species
Clematis afoliata
(Leafless Clematis)
Photo: John Pons - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Clematis alpina
(Alpine Clematis)
Photo: Thibault Lefort - Flickr
License: Public Domain
Clematis armandii
(Evergreen Clematis)
Photo: M. Martin Vicente - Flickr
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Clematis brachiata
(Traveller's Joy)
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License: Public Domain
Clematis brevicaudata
(Short-Tailed Clematis)
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz - Wikimedia Commons
License: CCSA 4.0
Clematis carrizoensis
(Carrizo Creek Clematis)
Photo: Sonnia Hill - Wikimedia Commons
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Clematis cirrhosa
(Winter Flowering Clematis)
Photo: Ram Eisenberg - Wikimedia Commons
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Clematis coactilis
(Virginia White-Hair Leather Flower)
Photo: Steve Law - Wikimedia Commons
License: CCSA 2.0
Clematis columbiana
(Rock Clematis)
Photo: USDA NRCS Montana - Wikimedia Commons
Clematis crassifolia
(Thick-Leaved Virgin's Bower)
Photo: Wang kun hung - Wikimedia Commons
License: CC 2.0
Clematis drummondii
(Old Man's Beard)
Photo: Alan Shcmierer - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Clematis elisabethae-carolae
(Elizabeth-Carol's Clematis)
Photo: Nicholas Turland - Flickr
License: CCNCND 2.0
Clematis flammula
(Fragrant Virgin's Bower)
Photo: Camdori - Flickr
License: Public Domain
Clematis forsteri
(Forster's Clematis)
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz - Wikimedia Commons
License: CCSA 4.0
Clematis fremontii
(Fremont's Leatherflower)
Photo: USFWS - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Clematis gouriana
(Indian Traveler's Joy)
Photo: Vinayaraj - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Clematis grandiflora
(Anemone Clematis)
Photo: Johnathan Billinger - Wikimedia Commons
License: CCSA 2.0
Clematis gratopsis
(Old Man's Beard)
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz - Wikimedia Commons
License: CCSA 4.0
Clematis graveolens
(Fragrant Clematis)
Photo: A. F. Hayward - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Clematis hedysarifolia
(Hedysarifolia Clematis)
Photo: Dinesh Valke - Wikimedia Commons
License: CCSA 2.0
Clematis hirsutissima
(Vase Flower)
Photo: Yellowstone National Park, Jacob W. Frank - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Clematis integrifolia
(Solitary Clematis)
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz - Wikimedia Commons
License: CCSA 4.0
Clematis leschenaultiana
(Leschenaultiana Clematis)
Photo: Wang kun hung - Wikimedia Commons
License: CC 2.0
Clematis ligusticifolia
(White Virgin's Bower)
Photo: NPS/Neal Herbert - Flickr
License: Public Domain
Clematis microphylla
(Small-Leaved Clematis)
Photo: Julie - Flickr
License: Public Domain
Clematis montana
(Mountain Clematis)
Photo: D. A. Wilkerson
Clematis morefieldii
(Huntsville Vasevine)
Photo: USFWS - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Clematis occidentalis
(Blue Clematis)
Photo: Yellow Stone National Park - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Clematis orientalis
(Chinese Clematis)
Photo: Yuriy Danilevsky - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Clematis patens
(Windmill)
Photo: Alpsdake - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Clematis pauciflora
(Ropevine)
Photo: Stickpen - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Clematis recta
(Bush Clematis)
Photo: Аимаина хикари - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Clematis rufa
(Rufous Clematis)
Photo: Aung - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Clematis songorica
(Songorica Clematis)
Photo: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova - Wikimedia Commons
License: CCSA 4.0
Clematis terniflora
(Sweet Autumn Clematis)
Photo: Cbaile19 - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Clematis texensis
(Scarlet Clematis)
Photo: Mason Brock - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Clematis versicolor
(Pale Leatherflower)
Photo: Pam Morgan - Flickr
License: Public Domain
Clematis vitalba
(Old Man's Beard)
Photo: AnRo0002 - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Clematis viticaulis
(Millboro Leatherflower)
Photo: Steve Croy - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Clematis zeylanica
(Ceylon Clematis)
Photo: Triv - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Other Species
Other Species
Clematis acapulcensis
Clematis acutangula
Clematis andersonii
Clematis aureolata
Clematis barbellata
Clematis bourdillonii
Clematis bracteolata
Clematis cadmia
Clematis chaohuensis
Clematis chiupehensis
Clematis clitorioides
Clematis corniculata
Clematis cruttwellii
Clematis decipiens
Clematis dimorphophylla
Clematis dongchuanensis
Clematis erectisepala
Clematis finetiana
Clematis fulvicoma
Clematis grahamii
Clematis grossa
Clematis hainanensis
Clematis herrei
Clematis hothae
Clematis ibarensis
Clematis intricata
Clematis jialasaensis
Clematis khasiana
Clematis kweichowensis
Clematis liboensis
Clematis liuzhouensis
Clematis loureiroana
Clematis malacoclada
Clematis melanonema
Clematis microcuspis
Clematis morii
Clematis nainitalensis
Clematis nobilis
Clematis obtusifolia
Clematis otophora
Clematis papuasica
Clematis peruviana
Clematis pimpinellifolia
Clematis plukenetii
Clematis pseudoconnata
Clematis pseudopterantha
Clematis pycnocoma
Clematis quinquefoliolata
Clematis rhodocarpoides
Clematis rubifolia
Clematis sclerophylla
Clematis siamensis
Clematis sinii
Clematis stenanthera
Clematis subumbellata
Clematis tenuimarginata
Clematis thaiana
Clematis tinghuensis
Clematis tosaensis
Clematis triloba
Clematis tunisiatica
Clematis ulbrichiana
Clematis variifolia
Clematis viridis
Clematis wightiana
Clematis yuanjiangensis
Clematis zaireensis
Clematis acerifolia
Clematis affinis
Clematis antonii
Clematis austroanatolica
Clematis bigelovii
Clematis bowkeri
Clematis brevipes
Clematis caleoides
Clematis chekiangensis
Clematis chrysocarpa
Clematis coahuilensis
Clematis courtoisii
Clematis cunninghamii
Clematis delavayi
Clematis dingjunshanica
Clematis dubia
Clematis falciformis
Clematis flammulastrum
Clematis fulvofurfuracea
Clematis grandidentata
Clematis guadeloupae
Clematis hancockiana
Clematis hilariae
Clematis huangjingensis
Clematis incisodenticulata
Clematis iranica
Clematis jingdungensis
Clematis kirilowii
Clematis ladakhiana
Clematis linearifoliola
Clematis longicauda
Clematis lushuiensis
Clematis malacocoma
Clematis menglaensis
Clematis millefoliolata
Clematis multistriata
Clematis nannophylla
Clematis novocaledoniaensis
Clematis ochroleuca
Clematis oweniae
Clematis pashanensis
Clematis pianmaensis
Clematis pinchuanensis
Clematis pogonandra
Clematis pseudoflammula
Clematis pseudoscabiosifolia
Clematis qingchengshanica
Clematis ranunculoides
Clematis rigoi
Clematis rutoides
Clematis seemannii
Clematis sichotealinensis
Clematis spathulifolia
Clematis strigillosa
Clematis takedana
Clematis tenuipes
Clematis thaimontana
Clematis tomentella
Clematis tournefortii
Clematis tripartita
Clematis turyusanensis
Clematis uncinata
Clematis venusta
Clematis wallichii
Clematis wissmanniana
Clematis yui
Clematis zandaensis
Clematis actinostemmatifolia
Clematis africolineariloba
Clematis apiculata
Clematis austrogansuensis
Clematis bonariensis
Clematis brachystemon
Clematis buchananiana
Clematis catesbyana
Clematis chengguensis
Clematis cinnamomoides
Clematis commutata
Clematis craibiana
Clematis dasyandra
Clematis delicata
Clematis dissecta
Clematis elata
Clematis fawcettii
Clematis flavidonitida
Clematis gialaiensis
Clematis grandifolia
Clematis gulinensis
Clematis hastata
Clematis hoffmannii
Clematis huchouensis
Clematis insidiosa
Clematis ispahanica
Clematis jingxiensis
Clematis kockiana
Clematis lancifolia
Clematis lingyunensis
Clematis longipes
Clematis macgregorii
Clematis manipurensis
Clematis methifoliaz
Clematis moisseenkoi
Clematis munroiana
Clematis napoensis
Clematis nukiangensis
Clematis oligophylla
Clematis pamiralaica
Clematis peii
Clematis pickeringii
Clematis pingbianensis
Clematis polygama
Clematis pseudootophora
Clematis pterantha
Clematis quadribracteolata
Clematis repens
Clematis robertsiana
Clematis sarezica
Clematis shenlungchiaensis
Clematis simensis
Clematis speciosa
Clematis subtriloba
Clematis tashiroi
Clematis teretipes
Clematis thalictrifolia
Clematis tongluensis
Clematis trichotoma
Clematis tsaii
Clematis udayanii
Clematis uruboensis
Clematis vietnamensis
Clematis wenshanensis
Clematis xiangguiensis
Clematis yunnanensis
Clematis zemuensis
Clematis actinostemmatifolia
Clematis alborosea
Clematis archboldiana
Clematis baominiana
Clematis boninensis
Clematis brachyura
Clematis burmanica
Clematis caudigera
Clematis chingii
Clematis clemensiae
Clematis comoresensis
Clematis crassipes
Clematis dasyoneura
Clematis dilatata
Clematis dolichopoda
Clematis elobata
Clematis fengii
Clematis fruticosa
Clematis glabrifolia
Clematis grewiiflora
Clematis hagiangensis
Clematis hayatai
Clematis horripilata
Clematis hupehensis
Clematis intraglabra
Clematis jeypurensis
Clematis kakoulimensis
Clematis korthalsii
Clematis laxistrigosa
Clematis lishanensis
Clematis longistyla
Clematis macrophylla
Clematis mashanensis
Clematis metouensis
Clematis mollissima
Clematis nagaensis
Clematis ningjingshanica
Clematis obliqua
Clematis orveniae
Clematis papillosa
Clematis perrieri
Clematis pierotii
Clematis pinnata
Clematis populifolia
Clematis pseudopogonandra
Clematis puberula
Clematis queenslandica
Clematis rhodocarpa
Clematis roylei
Clematis satomiana
Clematis shensiensis
Clematis simplicifolia
Clematis staintonii
Clematis subtriternata
Clematis tengchongensis
Clematis teuszii
Clematis theobromina
Clematis tortuosa
Clematis trifida
Clematis tuaensis
Clematis uhehensis
Clematis vaniotii
Clematis viridiflora
Clematis wenxianensis
Clematis xinhuiensis
Clematis yuntaishanica
Clematis zygophylla
Hybrids
Hybrids
Clematis hybrid
(Boulevard® Corinne)
Photo: D. A. Wilkerson
Clematis hybrid 'Evipo019'
(Boulevard® Parisienne™ Clematis)
Photo: D. A. Wilkerson
Clematis hybrid 'Evipo078'
(Boulevard® Acropolis™ Clematis)
Photo: D. A. Wilkerson
Clematis x 'Niobe'
(Niobe Clematis)
Photo: D. A. Wilkerson
Clematis toki
(Toki Clematis)
Photo: D. A. Wilkerson
Family Connection
Family Connection
Sources
Sources
Toxicity Section
Toxicity Section
Gardenia, Creating Gardens. (n.d.) Clematis virginiana (Virgin's Bower). From https://www.gardenia.net/plant/clematis-virginiana
Kinuthia, C. W., Mbaria, J. M., Mathiu, P. M., Kamau, L. N., & Okumu, M. O. (2023). Toxicological evaluation of aqueous extracts of Clematis hirsuta and Rhamnus prinoides. Qeios. From https://qeios-uploads.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/publication-ancillary-files/SV8YSZ/3gabrb-1.pdf
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (2022). Clematis Virginiana. The University of Texas at Austin. From https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=clvi5
Lust, J. (1974). The Herb Book. Benedict Lust Publications. (pp. 384-385)
Muenscher, W. C. (1975). Poisonous Plants of the United States. Macmillian Publishing Co., Inc. (pp. 91-92)
NC State Extension. (n.d.). Clematis virginiana. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. From https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/clematis-virginiana/
Pammel, L. H., & Fogel, E. D. (1908). A catalogue of the poisonous plants of Iowa. Iowa Academy of Science. From https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=DIK7TonJc4UC&oi=fnd&pg=PA147&dq="clematis+virginiana"+toxicity&ots=RgbLDMm4MR&sig=roNve7wHo8NAJScMf29LsOP6bG0#v=onepage&q&f=false
Shannon, M. W., Borron, S. W., Burns, M. J., Haddad, L. M., & Winchester, J. F. (2007). Haddad and Winchester's clinical management of poisoning and drug overdose. From https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/protoanemonin
Wag!. (n.d.) Virgin's Bower Poisoning in Cats. From https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/virgins-bower-poisoning
Wolters Kluwer Health. (2024). Clematis. Drugs. From https://www.drugs.com/npp/clematis.html
Medicinal Value Section
Medicinal Value Section
Go Botany. (n.d.). Clematis virginiana - Virginia virgin's-bower. From https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/clematis/virginiana/
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (2022). Clematis Virginiana. The University of Texas at Austin. From https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=clvi5
Lust, J. (1974). The Herb Book. Benedict Lust Publications. (pp. 384-385)
NC State Extension. (n.d.). Clematis virginiana. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. From https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/clematis-virginiana/
Wolters Kluwer Health. (2024). Clematis. Drugs. From https://www.drugs.com/npp/clematis.html
Edibility Section
Edibility Section
NC State Extension. (n.d.). Clematis virginiana. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. From https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/clematis-virginiana/
Wolters Kluwer Health. (2024). Clematis. Drugs. From https://www.drugs.com/npp/clematis.html
General Facts Section
General Facts Section
ESSIG, F. B. (1990). The Clematis virginiana (Ranunculaceae) complex in the southeastern United States. SIDA, Contributions to Botany, 49-68. From https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/41966847.pdf
Gardenia, Creating Gardens. (n.d.) Clematis virginiana (Virgin's Bower). From https://www.gardenia.net/plant/clematis-virginiana
Go Botany. (n.d.). Clematis virginiana - Virginia virgin's-bower. From https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/clematis/virginiana/
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (2022). Clematis Virginiana. The University of Texas at Austin. From https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=clvi5
Lust, J. (1974). The Herb Book. Benedict Lust Publications. (pp. 384-385)
Mokhiruh, K. (2017). Plant Naming Patterns as a Reflection of Language Image of the World. Linguistics and Literature Studies, 5(3). From https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=58918ab083ae814be9ae207c9e6b6ae21274b523
Muenscher, W. C. (1975). Poisonous Plants of the United States. Macmillian Publishing Co., Inc. (pp. 91-92)
NC State Extension. (n.d.). Clematis virginiana. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. From https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/clematis-virginiana/
Date of page creation: June 24, 2024
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