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Plant Profile: Clematis ochroleuca
Curlyhead Clematis is a native perennial sub-shrub belonging to the buttercup family, typically found in dry woodlands, sandy grasslands, rocky areas, or disturbed locations throughout the eastern United States and the Piedmont region of North Carolina. This plant exhibits a tidy growth habit, reaching heights of 1 to 2 feet and spreading about 1 foot wide. From April to June, it produces charming, fuzzy, pendulous, solitary bell-shaped flowers, followed by attractive seed heads.
For optimal growth, it should be planted in full sun to light shade within moist to dry, well-drained soils. It thrives beautifully in rock gardens or as part of a perennial border. Propagating this plant through cuttings can be quite challenging, so it is advisable to collect seeds instead. When seeking to purchase this plant, cultivars are typically the most accessible option.
Curlyhead, Ochre Clematis
klem-AH-tiss owk-roh-LEW-ka
Clematis paniculata
Sweet Autumn Clematis is a low-maintenance plant that can become quite invasive due to its vigorous growth and tendency to self-seed. To manage its spread, it's advisable to prune it back significantly in the fall or early spring. Compared to other clematis varieties, this species tends to be less appealing to deer.
The plant features delightful, fragrant pinwheel-shaped flowers that are white and consist of four petal-like segments, surrounded by numerous stamens. Its seed heads have a soft, feathery look. It thrives when grown on a trellis or fence and falls under pruning Group 3.
In certain states neighboring North Carolina, this plant is regarded as invasive, so it may be wise to explore native alternatives.
Sweet Autumn Clematis, Sweet Autumn Virginsbower
KLEM-ah-tiss pan-ik-yoo-LAY-tah
Penstemon cobaea (Cobaea Beardtongue)
Ecological Significance: Species within the genus Penstemon provide essential support for the specialized bee, Osmia (Melanosmia) distincta.
For additional details on Penstemon, click here.
Cobaea Beardtongue
Penstemon \ cobaea \ Plantaginaceae
Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue, Tall White Beardtongue, White Beardtongue)
Penstemon digitalis is a perennial plant that forms clumps and belongs to the plantain family, thriving in the mountainous regions of North Carolina. This species can reach heights of up to 5 feet
Foxglove Beardtongue, Tall White Beardtongue, White Beardtongue
Penstemon \ digitalis \ Plantaginaceae
Penstemon digitalis 'Huskers Red' (Beardtongue, 'Hucskers Red' Penstemon, 'Huskers Red' Beardtongue, Penstemon)
'Huskers Red' Beardtongue is a striking hybrid perennial known for its eye-catching white tubular flowers and deep maroon leaves and stems. These flowers bloom on tall stems in panicles from late s
Beardtongue, 'Hucskers Red' Penstemon, 'Huskers Red' Beardtongue, Penstemon
Penstemon \ digitalis \ Plantaginaceae
Penstemon laevigatus (Eastern Beardtongue, Eastern Smooth Beardtongue, Smooth Beardtongue)
Eastern smooth beardtongue, a native species of North Carolina belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family, is a herbaceous perennial that typically reaches heights of 2 to 3 feet. Its leaves are arra
Eastern Beardtongue, Eastern Smooth Beardtongue, Smooth Beardtongue
Penstemon \ laevigatus \ Plantaginaceae
Penstemon smallii (Beard Tongue, Blue Ridge, Small's Beardtongue)
Small's Beardtongue is a perennial herb that showcases its blooms for an impressive duration of up to four weeks, significantly outlasting many other eastern penstemons, and it may even produce add
Beard Tongue, Blue Ridge, Small's Beardtongue
Penstemon \ smallii \ Plantaginaceae
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