Clematis virginiana (also known as devil's darning needles, devil's hair, love vine, traveler's joy, virgin's bower, Virginia virgin's bower, wild hops, and woodbine; Clematis virginiana L. var. missouriensis (Rydb.) Palmer & Steyermark ) is a vine of the Ranunculaceae (buttercup family) native to North America from Newfoundland to southern Manitoba down to the Gulf of Mexico. The rationale for some of the common names is unclear, as they include examples normally applied to unrelated plants, including twining parasites (e.g. "devil's hair" for Cuscuta). The name "Love Vine" also is applied to alleged aphrodisiacs, such as Caribbean species of Cassytha, which are unrelated to Clematis, not being in the family Ranunculaceae.

Easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. This species will thrive and bloom in considerable shade. Blooms on current year’s growth. May be pruned back hard (to 8-12” from the ground) to strong leaf buds in fall after flowering or in late winter to early spring. Needs adequate supply of nutrients during the growing season to support rush of growth. Can spread aggressively by self-seeding and suckering.

Type: Vine

Family: Ranunculaceae

Native Range: Eastern North America

Zone: 3 to 8

Height: 12.00 to 20.00 feet

Spread: 3.00 to 6.00 feet

Bloom Time: August to October

Bloom Description: White

Sun: Full sun to part shade

Water: Medium to wet

Maintenance: Low

Suggested Use: Naturalize

Flower: Showy, Fragrant

Tolerate: Deer, Black Walnut