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Clematis hirsutissima (Hairy clematis)
Muller, Thomas L.

Clematis hirsutissima Pursh

Hairy clematis, Sugarbowls, Vase flower, Leatherflower, Lion's beard

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

USDA Symbol: CLHI

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

From tufts of large, deeply dissected leaves emerge leafy, 2 ft. high flower stalks, each bearing a single, brownish-purple, nodding bell with recurved tips and a woolly exterior. In fruit, clusters of feathery, plumed achenes adorn the now erect peduncle. This is a perennial wildflower.

Unlike most other Clematis species, it is not a vine. Another common name for this species, Lions Beard, refers to the shaggy fruit head.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Purple
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AZ , CO , ID , MT , NE , NM , OK , OR , SD , UT , WA , WY
Native Distribution: S.c. B.C., e. WA & e. OR, e. to c. MT & CO
Native Habitat: Grasslands; sagebrush plains; ponderosa forests
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, well-drained soil.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Propagation

Description: Fresh seed sown in fall has proven most successful. Many Clematis spp. are also propagated by late summer layerings.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: A 60-180 day period of cold-moist stratification at 33-40 degrees aids in the germination of stored seeds.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Clematis hirsutissima in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Clematis hirsutissima in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Clematis hirsutissima

Metadata

Record Modified: 2011-01-14
Research By: TWC Staff

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