Morefield's Leather Flower
Clematis morefieldii
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Clematis morefieldii, Morefield's leather flower, is one of the rarest of the native clematis, a delicate climbing vine known in the wild from only a small pocket of limestone country around Huntsville, Alabama, and just into Tennessee. Like the other leather flowers, this species trades broad, flat blooms for small, nodding, urn-shaped flowers, here a soft, downy pink, their sepal tips curling back at the rim. The stems and leaves carry a fine coat of whitish hairs, giving the whole plant a soft, silvered look.
This is a federally listed endangered species, discovered only in 1982 and named for the young botanist James Morefield who found it. Because wild populations are so few, Morefield's leather flower is protected, and its sale and movement are regulated; nursery-propagated plants like these help take the pressure off the wild colonies while sharing a genuine botanical treasure. Growing one is a small act of conservation as much as gardening.
For all the rarity, the plant proves adaptable in the garden. Native to well-drained limestone soils, Morefield's leather flower takes to ordinary garden ground with good drainage and a sunny or lightly shaded spot, climbing modestly by twining leaf-stalks and dying back to the ground each winter to return in spring. Pinkish, nodding flowers open through late spring and summer, followed by the silky, feathered seed heads typical of the clematis clan.
Give Clematis morefieldii a small trellis, an arbor, or a low fence, ideally on the neutral-to-alkaline soils this vine favors, where the downy pink bells can be seen at close range. A choice vine for the native, pollinator, or collector's garden, this is a plant with a real story to tell, both a rarity and a conservation success in cultivation. Few clematis carry so much meaning on so delicate a frame.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 6–9
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 10–16 Feet · Spread 3–6 Feet
- Growth rate
- Medium
- Seasonality
- Dies back, depends on zone
Pinkish, urn-shaped, late spring to summer
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
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We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.