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western blue virginsbower
Scientific Name: Clematis occidentalis var. occidentalis
Family: Ranunculaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Clematis occidentalis: Western Blue Virginsbower
Clematis occidentalis is a captivating flowering vine belonging to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). It is widely recognized by its common name, Western Blue Virginsbower, and is also known as Western Blue Clematis, Columbia Clematis, Blue Rock Clematis, and Purple Clematis.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Clematis occidentalis (Hornem.) DC.
- Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
- Genus: Clematis
- Species: occidentalis
- Subspecies: var. occidentalis, var. dissecta, var. grosseserrata
- Synonyms: Atragene americana Sims, Atragene occidentalis, Clematis occidentalis var. dissecta, Clematis occidentalis var. grosseserrata. Some sources also list Clematis columbiana var. dissecta as a synonym for Clematis occidentalis var. dissecta.
Distribution and Habitat
Clematis occidentalis is native to much of North America, including areas like the Wasatch-Cache National Forest and the Wenatchee Mountains (specifically Chelan and Kittitas Counties) in Washington. It thrives in mountainous regions and can be found along forest trails, often in shady areas. For example, it's been found growing at an elevation of 1450 m (4756 ft) on the Teanaway Ridge trail.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
This clematis is a perennial vine that can reach lengths of 1 to 12 feet. It prefers full to partial shade and moist conditions. The flowers are known for lacking true petals but feature light blue, petal-like sepals approximately 2 inches long, along with numerous stamen. The leaves are trifoliate.
Quirky Facts
- This plant has blue sepals which are often mistaken for petals.
- The plant assumes a red-pink coloring in the spring.