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Native Plant Society of Texas

Scarlet Leatherflower

Clematis texensis

Other common name(s):

Scarlet Clematis, Texas Clematis

Family:

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Edwards Plateau
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift, Semiarid Edwards Plateau

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Vine

Height

8
to
10
ft.

Spread

1
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Limestone, Well Drained, Moist

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Medium

Native Habitat

Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Red

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Nectar

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Birds, Hummingbirds

Maintenance

Fast growing. A very hardy and drought tolerant clematis. Twines on fences and other plants or will sprawl as a ground cover. A great choice for small spaces. Cannot tolerate poor drainage. Provides a subtle, beautiful accent to a shady areas. Blooms best with half a day of sun. Keep roots cool. Dies to the ground in fall. Although widely cultivated, it is native only to the southeastern part of the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion. WARNING: toxic to humans and pets. Propagation: softwood cutting, seed.

Comments

Blooms March-July. A low twining vine. Stems are bare for the first two feet. Leaves have 6-10 oval to nearly round leaflets, with one tendril-like terminal leaf. Leathery, bell-shaped, reddish orange to scarlet flowers, have flared tips. Petals are absent, sepals are showy, appearing on new growth only. After the flower blooms, a feathery ball of plumed seeds will appear.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Clematis coccinea, Coriflora texensis

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas. 2) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CLTE2. 3) https://portal.torcherbaria.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxon=Clematis+texensis&formsubmit=Search+Terms. 4) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=20675&locationType=County&mapType=Normal. 5) Miller, George O., Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas 2nd Ed., 2013, pg 48, 52. 6) Wasowski and Wasowski, Native Texas Plants Landscaping Region by Region, 1991, pg. 97. 7) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=18713#null, 8) https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=299518&isprofile=0&bt=7#:~:text=Clematis%20texensis%2C%20commonly%20called%20scarlet,from%20early%20summer%20to%20frost., 9) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clematis_texensis

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Scarification Soak the seeds of scarlet leather flower in lukewarm water for 24 hours prior to sowing. This hydration helps break the seed's dormancy and encourages germination. Sow seeds immediately in well-drained soil, providing a structure for scarlet leather flower to climb, or in pots with a well-draining soil mix such as a mixture of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss. Ensure the containers have adequate drainage holes. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and press them gently into the soil but do not cover them completely, as they require light to germinate. Mist lightly to keep the soil moist. For best results, collect seeds once pods have ripened, ensuring careful handling as they're delicate https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Clematis_texensis.html
Seed Stratification Moist stratify at 41 degrees for 60-90 days before planting in spring. Gather seeds when they are no longer green but before the cluster of achenes completely dries and drops the seeds to the ground. They remain viable up to two years without refrigeration. https://gonzalesmastergardeners.org/uploads/7/2/5/4/72540621/clematis_texensis.pdf
Stem Cutting Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil or a mix of perlite and peat. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the pot in a shaded area with indirect sunlight. Mist the cutting daily with water to prevent it from drying out and cover the pot with plastic wrap to create a humid environment. After 3-4 weeks, check for roots by gently tugging the stem. Once roots have formed, transplant the cutting into a larger pot or directly into the ground. Take a cutting of a mature stem in the early summer, making sure it has at least two nodes and the stem is about 6 inches in length. https://plantiary.com/plant/clematis-texensis_6341.html
Stem Cutting For water propagation, avoid using transparent containers. Place the stem in water, and once roots appear, add hydroponic fertilizer. When roots are 5-7 cm long, transfer to soil. For soil propagation, plant deeply in soil without fertilizer. After propagation, avoid exposing to bright light. Gradually increase light exposure to help the plant adapt to gentle light. Maintain high humidity and a temperature of 18-25°C. https://plantingo.com/plant-care-guide/clematis-texensis-buckley/3579
Stem Layering Stem layering is mentioned, but there are no details available at this time. We will add more information as it becomes available.

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason