virgin's bower

Plant Type

Vine

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

15-20 ft. tall
3-6 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Deer, Occasional Flooding

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Seeds require 60-180 day cold, moist stratification to germinate.

Plants/Diseases

Rust, wilt, powdery mildew, aphids, wine weevils

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects

Leaves

Green deciduous compound trifoliate leaves. Hairs on the underside of of the leaves. 4 inch long and 2 inch wide. Leaves may fade to a maroon color in the winter before falling off.

Flowers

White showy fragrant flower with 4-5 petals that are 1-3 inch long.

Fruit

Brown feather-like seed heads in the fall

Toxicity

Medium poison severity

USDA Hardiness Zones

6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Moist woodlands and streambanks

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Rare in the South Carolina coastal plain. Uncommon in the piedmont. Common in the mountains.