Vhk.moxt Shrubs and W'oouv Vines 81 



CROWFOOT FAMILY. RANUiNCULACEAE 



Herbs like the common buttercups and anemones are more 

 typical of this family than are the woody members. Two 

 species of clematis, the most attractive of \'ermont's flowerino- 

 vines, are the only representatives of the latter class. Both 

 have slender, weak stems, somewhat woody below, and climb by 

 the strong- leaf-stalks which clasp any available support. The 

 foliage and flowers are graceful and the fruit scarcely less so, 

 making these the most dainty of our native vines, whether in 

 their natural habitats or when brought into culture. The two 

 species may be distinguished as follows : 

 Flowers small (one-half to one inch), white, in leafy clusters. 



Virgin's bower. 

 Flowers large (two to four inches), purple and solitary. 



Purple clematis. 



virgin's bower. Clematis znrginiaiia L. 



This is a familiar sight fringing streams and moist thickets, 

 soon converting the ugliest spot into a place of beauty. Its 

 compound leaves have each three leaflets with clasping petioles. 

 The plants are dioecious, that is, some have only pollen-bearing 

 flowers and others only seed-producing ones. The fruits are 

 provided with long feathery tails and as they ripen in autumn 

 are almost as showy as the flowers. If one is selecting vines 

 for ornamental planting, he should aim to secure a good pro- 

 portion of these fruitful plants. 



PURPLE clematis. Clematis verticillaris DC. 



This is a rather rare plant on rocky hills. It is a weaker 

 climber and less luxuriant than is the other species, hence is 

 somewhat less desirable as a screen or fence-cover. Its strik- 

 ingly beautiful flow'ers however compensate for this weaker and 

 less luxuriant habit of growth and make it one of the peculiarly 

 attractive native ornamental vines. Its fruits have feathery ap- 

 pendages like the virgin's bower, giving it a charm in autumn 

 as well as in spring. 



