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Glase, Terry
Clematis ligusticifolia
Clematis ligusticifolia Nutt.
Western White Clematis, Virgin's Bower, Pepper Vine, Hierba De Chivo
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: CLLI2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
A strong, woody or semi-woody climber to 20 ft. or more. The wide clusters of creamy-white blossoms, from leaf axils on the upper portions of the plant, occur in such profusion they impart a white color to the whole mass of growth. These are followed by light-catching, silky seed plumes. Deciduous leaves are pinnately compound with 5-7 leaflets.
This species’ traditional name, Pepper Vine, referred to the acrid, peppery taste of the stems and leaves, which Native Americans chewed as a remedy for colds and sore throats. It is said that the crushed roots were placed in the nostrils of tired horses to revive them. Caution is advised: The genus is known to have poisonous species.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Vine
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Fruit Type: Achene
Size Notes: Climber, stems up to about 20 feet long.
Leaf: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , KS , MT , ND , NE , NM , NV , OK , OR , PA , SD , UT , WA , WYCanada: AB , BC , SK
Native Distribution: B.C. to Baja CA, e. to Alt., the Dakotas, w. NE & NM
Native Habitat: Woods along streams; moist, brushy coulees
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Rich, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Clematis ligusticifolia is widely adaptable, tough and disease-resistant. Rejuvenate by cutting back to 1 ft. above ground every 3-5 years. In very dry, hot areas, provide afternoon shade and mulch to keep the roots cool.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Showy seeds.Use Wildlife: Browsed by deer.
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.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Hummingbirds
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Sow seeds in fall (slow to germinate). Increase by late-spring cuttings or by layering.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
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
| Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
| Status: | FACW | FAC | FACW | FACU | FACU | FAC |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Clematis ligusticifolia in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Clematis ligusticifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Clematis ligusticifolia
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-05-04Research By: TWC Staff