No images found for this plant ID: 10746.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "10746" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
rock clematis
Scientific Name: Clematis columbiana var. columbiana
Family: Ranunculaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Rock Clematis (Clematis columbiana)
Rock Clematis, scientifically known as Clematis columbiana, is a captivating deciduous climber native to North America. This plant goes by several common names, reflecting its regional presence and attractive blooms.
Common Names
- Rock Clematis
- Blue Clematis
- Columbia Clematis
- Columbia Virgin's Bower
- Purple Virgin's Bower
- Western Blue Clematis
- Western Blue Virginsbower
- Western Clematis
- Columbian virgin's-bower
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Clematis columbiana (Nutt.) Torr. & A. Gray
- Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species, Variety
- Synonyms:
- Clematis occidentalis
- Clematis occidentalis var. dissecta
- Clematis pseudoalpina A.Nelson
- Clematis tenuiloba A. Gray
- Clematis tenuiloba A. Gray (Variety)
Distribution and Habitat
Clematis columbiana is found in the eastern regions of the Cascade Mountains, extending into British Columbia, Alberta, Montana, and Wyoming. It thrives in dry to moist woods and talus slopes on the east side of the Cascades.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Deciduous climber growing up to 3 meters (approximately 10 feet) in length.
- Some varieties, like Clematis columbiana var. tenuiloba, are much smaller, reaching only 15 to 28 cm (6 to 10 inches) in height and are non-vining.
- Features opposite, deciduous leaves.
- Produces nodding blue to purplish flowers that are hermaphroditic, meaning they possess both male and female reproductive organs.
- Flowers bloom from June to July.
- Some varieties increase by stolons and underground runners.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that a poultice of the pounded plant is used medicinally. Although the text does not definitively state that the plant is toxic, it is recommended to prevent pets from ingesting it.
Quirky Facts
- Some varieties are so tiny they are considered the "Tiniest Clematis You Ever Did See".
- It is sometimes confused as a variety of C. alpina var.columbiana
Additional Information
- Hardy to zone (UK) 4.
- Prefers full to partial shade.
- Requires moist soil in spring and low water conditions later in the season.
- Dave's Garden is a community resource for gardening tips and ideas.
- The National Wildlife Federation is mentioned, although in association with a collectible item rather than specific plant information.