Clematis, << KLEHM uh tihs or klih MAT ihs, >> is any one of a group of perennial herbs or woody vines that grow throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Several small-flowered kinds are called virgin’s-bower. The most popular species include a large group of hybrid varieties. These vines may climb 10 feet (3 meters) high and have flowers 6 inches (15 centimeters) wide. Clematis flowers may be blue, violet, white, pink, or red. After the flowers fade, the plant bears small dry fruits. The fruits often have long feathery tufts attached.
