How to identify Scarlet leather flower (Clematis texensis)

How to identify Scarlet leather flower (Clematis texensis)

Scarlet leather flower, also known as Texas clematis

Scarlet leather flower is a climbing vine characterized by its woody, deciduous nature. Its stems, while somewhat delicate, support a perennial life cycle and typically exhibit a twining growth habit. This vine is adorned with lush, green foliage, and during the blooming season, it showcases vibrant, uniquely shaped flowers that captivate with their striking hues. The blossoms are a key identification feature, emerging in a radiant display that stands out against the backdrop of the foliage.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb, Vine

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Scarlet leather flower

Vibrant tulip or bell-shaped flowers with thick, leather-like sepals in deep red to creamy hues.

Dry achenes with elongated, silky-plumose tails aiding in wind dispersal for fruit propagation.

Twisted, ovate leaflets on grayish-green pinnate to bi-pinnate leaves measuring 2 1/2 inches.

Bare, woody stem up to 2 feet from the base, extending 9 feet with robust texture.

Woody, deciduous vine with twining growth, showcasing lush green foliage and radiant flowers.

Detailed Traits of Scarlet leather flower

Leaf Features

The leaves of scarlet leather flower are grayish-green and pinnate to bi-pinnate, measuring around 2 1/2 inches (6.4 cm) in length. Each leaf features ovate leaflets that are often twisted, functioning as tendrils. The leaflets exhibit a subtle grayish-green hue, contributing to their unique appearance and structure. The presentation of twisted leaflets provides a distinctive characteristic for plant identification. The leaf texture is likely to be consistent with the general appearance and structural adaptations.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of scarlet leather flower are tulip or bell-shaped, featuring 4-8 thick, leather-like sepals. These petal-like parts display vibrant colors, with outer tepals ranging from deep red to orange-red, and inner tepals often being creamy yellow or pink-red. The flowers contain numerous stamens, adding to their intricate beauty. Blooms typically reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length, appearing in late spring to early fall, offering a striking visual appeal in various garden settings.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of scarlet leather flower is bare and woody up to 2 feet (60 cm) from the base. It can extend up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) in length, with a twining habit facilitated by leaf petioles. This stem is notable for its smooth, robust texture and thin diameter, allowing it to effectively wrap around supports. Its woody nature provides stability, while the upper sections display a more flexible, climbing tendency, crucial for vertical growth.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of scarlet leather flower consists of numerous small, dry achenes which are particularly notable for their elongated, silky-plumose tails. Each tail aids in wind dispersal, catching drafts that carry the seeds away from the parent plant. These fruits manifest in a grouping, with each individual achene delicately attached at its base. The achenes themselves exhibit a subtle brown hue, blending with their environ when detached. While diminutive in size, the feathery tails add a visually arresting texture and can reach lengths that significantly exceed the achene, providing a mystical appearance to the cluster. This key feature facilitates easy identification of the fruit, even for those less familiar with botany.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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