Scarlet Leather Flower
ExplorePlants
Scarlet Leather Flower
clematis texensis
The Scarlet Leather Flower (Clematis texensis) is a striking, deciduous climbing vine endemic to the rugged Edwards Plateau of Texas. Celebrated for its unique bell-shaped, scarlet-red flowers, this plant adds a brilliant splash of color to limestone cliffs and creek ravines. As a member of the buttercup family, it climbs by wrapping its slender leaf petioles around nearby branches, ascending up to nine feet in height. Despite its delicate appearance, this vine is highly resilient, thriving in hot, rocky environments where few other flowering vines can compete. It has captured the hearts of botanists and gardeners alike, serving as a primary genetic source for breeding red-flowered garden clematis hybrids.
Habitat: Found primarily along rocky limestone cliffs, talus slopes, and moist creek ravines within oak-juniper woodlands.
Appearance
This herbaceous vine is easily identified by its distinctive nodding, bell-shaped blossoms that range in color from deep scarlet to rose-red. The thick, fleshy sepals (often mistaken for petals) are fused together at the base and recurve outward at the tips to reveal a cream-colored or yellowish interior. The foliage consists of opposing, compound leaves with rounded, bluish-green leaflets that provide a beautiful contrast. Following the blooming period, the vine produces eye-catching, spherical seed heads covered in silky, feathery plumes that catch the wind.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRanunculalesFamilyRanunculaceaeGenusClematis
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It is highly prized by plant breeders because it is one of the very few Clematis species that can introduce a pure, vivid red color into hybrid cultivars.
The common name 'Leather Flower' refers to the thick, fleshy, and leather-like texture of its bright red sepals.
Unlike most garden clematis which have flat, wide-open blooms, this species features closed, bell-shaped blossoms resembling tulip buds.
Special abilities
Ability
Petiole Climbing
It uses sensitive leaf petioles that twist and wrap around surrounding twigs or trellises to climb up to three meters in search of sunlight.
Ability
Drought Resilience
Adapted to rocky limestone soils, its robust root system helps it survive dry spells in the harsh summer heat of central Texas.
Ability
Feathery Seed Dispersal
Produces seeds with long, feathery, plume-like styles that allow wind currents to carry them over wide distances to colonize new sites.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 150-300 cm
- Lifespan
- 5-15 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, it generates its own food using sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and essential nutrients absorbed from the soil.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
- Soil nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium)
Ecological connections
Traits
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Also known as
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Scarlet Leather Flower?
The easiest way to identify Scarlet Leather Flower is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Scarlet Leather Flower?
150-300 cm
How long does Scarlet Leather Flower live?
5-15 years
What does Scarlet Leather Flower eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, it generates its own food using sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and essential nutrients absorbed from the soil.
Where is Scarlet Leather Flower usually found?
Found primarily along rocky limestone cliffs, talus slopes, and moist creek ravines within oak-juniper woodlands.
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