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Native Plant Database

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Clematis occidentalis var. occidentalis (Purple clematis)
Vick, Albert F. W.

Clematis occidentalis var. occidentalis (Hornem.) DC.

Purple clematis, Western blue virginsbower

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Synonyms: Clematis verticillaris

USDA Symbol: CLOCO

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Purple clematis climbs to a length of 20 ft. with groups of three-parted, compound leaves and large, purplish-blue, bell-shaped flowers at intervals along the stalk. The flowers are followed by a silvery plume-like cluster of feathery achenes. Old wood is exfoliating – red-brown to purple.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Vine
Size Notes: Climber
Fruit:
Size Class: 12-36 ft.

Bloom Information

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

Distribution

USA: CT , DE , IA , IL , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: AB , NB , NS , ON
Native Distribution: E. Que. to Man., s. to n.w. NC, U.P. of MI, Jo Daviess Co., IL & n.e. IA
Native Habitat: River banks; rocky woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Soil Description: Cool, limy, humus-rich soils.
Conditions Comments: Subject to insects and blight.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Low
Warning: POISONOUS PARTS: All parts. Severe pain in mouth if eaten; skin irritation if touched or inhaled. Symptoms include burning sensation of mouth and mouth ulcers; skin redness and burning sensation. Toxic Principle: Anemonin.

The name Clematis is the Greek word for long, easily bent branches (Andy Fyon)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Propagation is by softwood cuttings, division, and seed.
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

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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