Although there are no reports of toxicity for
fragrant virgin's bower specifically, it is known that many - and probably all - members of the genus
Clematis are mildly poisonous to humans and animals. There are two main toxins in the
fragrant virgin's bower; ranunculin and glycosides, and these can be found in all parts of the
plant. The ranunculin causes severe pain and blistering in the mouth if the
plant is ingested, while the glycosides affect the cardiac system. Other symptoms include a burning sensation in the mouth, excess salivation and vomiting. When the
fragrant virgin's bower is extensively handled, it causes skin redness, along with a burning sensation in the skin, but this is usually minor and only lasts for a few minutes. Due to its unpleasant taste and aggressive reaction with skin and mucosa, cases of poisoning are very rare.
