Western Clematis

Clematis ligustifolia

Ranunculaceae

• Spokane Native
• Sun-Shade
• Size: 18'-60' long vine
• Drought Tolerant: Moderate
• Evergreen: No
• Flower Color: Creamy white (April-August)
• Wildlife Value: Nectar for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds; nesting habitat for birds; browse for deer

Western clematis is a vigorous native deciduous climbing vine.  Prefers rich, well-drained, fertile loamy or silty soils with medium to above-average moisture. Thrives in full sun to partial shade to full shade—one of few vines flowering proficiently in shade.  This semi-woody perennial deciduous vine is vigorous, fast-growing climber with stems often 18 feet long but may climb to 60 feet.  Can grow up to 20 feet in year! Uses leafstalks to twine around support structures, nearby trees, shrubs, fences, or sprawls across ground if no support available. Fine-textured foliage. Dense, tangled growth creates excellent cover. Can be aggressive spreader. Toxic to mammals—all parts cause severe mouth pain if eaten, skin irritation if touched or inhaled, burning sensation, mouth ulcers, skin redness. Foliage generally unpalatable to deer though occasionally browsed.

Showy masses of fragrant creamy white flowers bloom profusely April-August. Flowers rich nectar source attracting hummingbirds, honey bees, numerous native bees, butterflies, wasps. Flowers are followed by distinctive silky, feathery seedheads in dense seed floss, which gives cottony effect likened to cotton candy. Thick tangled vines provide significant cover and nesting habitat for songbirds and small birds. Birds use fluffy seedheads for nest lining. Seeds eaten by birds and small mammals late fall/winter. Washoe people make bows from wood. Mahuna people use infusion for skin treatment. 

Excellent native alternative to ornamental clematis varieties—can be used in landscape just as cultivated types. Outstanding for naturalizing woody or wilder garden areas. Dramatic addition to fences, rock walls, trellises, arbors. Plant near tree or shrub for climbing support. Very easy care—tough, disease-resistant, widely adaptable. Suitable for erosion control on slopes and streambanks. Provides summer color and fall/winter interest with seedheads. Blooms only on new wood so radical pruning won't affect flower production. Can be lightly pruned anytime during growing season for shape control or trimmed back to 8-12 inches (up to 1 foot) above ground in late winter/early spring. Rejuvenate by cutting back to 1 foot every 3-5 years. In very dry, hot areas provide afternoon shade and mulch to keep roots cool. Prefers part sun to full shade with supplemental water once or twice weekly in summer. Can be aggressive and spread vigorously—easily controlled in garden by pruning. Space to allow 20+ feet climbing room. Suitable companions include osoberry, hillside gooseberry, buckeyes (overlapping dormancy keeps garden green), salal, ceanothus, coffeeberry, huckleberry, dogwood, ninebark, wild rose, western blueberry. Provide consistent moisture during establishment.