Family: Ranunculaceae
Clematis flammula, commonly known as sweet-scented virgin’s bower or fragrant clematis, is a fast-growing, woody vine native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental for its vigorous climbing habit and abundant clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. These flowers are notably fragrant and attractive to pollinators. In gardens, the vine is often trained over trellises, fences, or arbors to provide screening, shade, and seasonal visual interest.
Although Clematis flammula is not currently known to be naturalized, it possesses several traits that raise concern for tropical island ecosystems. Its rapid growth, climbing ability, and production of numerous wind-dispersed seeds increase the potential for spread beyond cultivated areas. If it were to escape, it could smother native vegetation and alter natural plant communities, impacts that are particularly harmful in island environments with high levels of endemism. To reduce the risk of future invasions, it is recommended to choose low-risk, non-invasive plants or, preferably, native alternatives that provide similar ornamental value while supporting and protecting local ecosystems.
High Risk Traits:
- Broad climate suitability
- Naturalized beyond native range
- Environmental weed
- Other Clematis species are weedy
- Toxic/allergenic to humans
- Shade tolerant
- Tolerates wide soil range
- Climbing/smothering habit
- Forms dense thickets
- Produces viable seed
- Hybridizes naturally
- Self-compatible
- Vegetative reproduction
- Human-dispersed
- Wind-dispersed
- Water-dispersed
- Tolerates/favored by disturbance
Low Risk Traits:
- Not tropical/subtropical
- No spines/thorns
- Not allelopathic
- Palatable to grazers
- Non-toxic to animals
- Not bird-dispersed
- Herbicide controlled
