Practical
Plants

Clematis alternata

a deciduous member of the Clematis genus in the family Ranunculaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Foliage
deciduous
Height
4 m
Fertility
Bees, Flies
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees, Flies

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, some if not all members of this genus are mildly poisonous. The toxic principle is dissipated by heat or by drying[9].

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The juice of the plant is dripped into the eye in the treatment of conjunctivitis, though it does make the eye painful for about an hour[6].

Product or use
Ophthalmic

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Climber

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Himalayas from central Nepal to southern Tibet.
Habitat
Forest margins and shrubberies, often amongst Pinus, Picea and Larix species, at elevations of 2200 - 2500 metres[7].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[2][3]. Sow stored seed as soon as it is obtained in a cold frame. Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and remove as much of the tail and outer coat as possible[2]. A period of cold stratification is beneficial[2]. The seed germinates in 1 - 9 months or more at 20°c[2]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for the first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Internodal cuttings of soft to semi-ripe wood, late spring in sandy soil in a frame[3]. Layering of old stems in late winter or early spring[3]. Layering of current seasons growth in early summer[3].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. However, judging by its native range, it is likely to succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. This is an unusual species in the genus, being the only one with alternate rather than opposite leaves[7]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade and its shoots growing up to the light[2]. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage[1][3]. Dislikes light sandy soils[1]. Succeeds in acid as well as alkaline soils[3]. A twining plant, the leafstalks wrap themselves around twigs and branches for support. When a side of the stalk touches an object, the growth on that side slows down whilst the other side grows at its normal rate - this causes the leaf stalk to entwine the object it is touching[4]. When planting out, in order to avoid the disease 'clematis wilt', it is best to plant the rootball about 8cm deeper in the soil. This will also serve to build up a good root crown of growth buds[3]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[3]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[5]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[8].

References

  1. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. 1990-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  3. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8

  4. Craighead. J., Craighead. F. and Davis. R. A Field Guide to Rocky Mountain Wildflowers The Riverside Press 1963-00-00 ISBN 63-7093

    ↩

  5. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩

  6. Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. 2002-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-527-6

    ↩

  7. Grey-Wilson. C. Clematis - The Genus B. T. Batsford. London. 2000-00-00 ISBN 0-7134-7659-1

    ↩1↩2

  8. Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977-00-00 ISBN 0-584-10141-4

    ↩

  9. Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394

    ↩

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