Practical
Plants

Clematis columbiana

Rock Clematis

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

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Foliage
deciduous
Height
3 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[10].

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.

A poultice of the pounded, dampened leaves has been applied to the feet to treat sweaty feet[8]. A cold infusion of the plant can be used as a lotion on swollen knees and ankles[8]. The plant has been used as a head wash and to treat scabs and eczema[8].

Product or use
Foot care
Product or use
Salve
Product or use
Skin

Material uses

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

The seed floss makes an excellent tinder for starting fires, a spark from a flint will quickly ignite it[6]. The seed floss can be used as an insulation in shoes etc[6]. An infusion of the leaves alone, or the leaves and stems, has been used as a hair wash to prevent gray hair[8].

Product or use
Hair care
Product or use
Insulation
Product or use
Tinder

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Climber

Environment

Range
Western N. America - British Columbia to Colorado and Oregon.
Habitat
Dry to moist soils of woods and thickets, from valleys to around 2,500 metres in the mountains[6].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 4+
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[3][5]. 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[3]. A period of cold stratification is beneficial[3]. The seed germinates in 1 - 9 months or more at 20°c[3]. 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[5]. Layering of old stems in late winter or early spring[5]. Layering of current seasons growth in early summer[5].

Cultivation

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

Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade[2][5]. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage[2][5]. Dislikes light sandy soils[2]. Does well on chalk[1]. Succeeds in acid as well as alkaline soils[5]. 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[5]. A twining plant[4]. 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[6]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[5]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[7]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[9].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

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

    ↩1↩2↩3

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

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  4. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

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  5. 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↩9

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

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

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

    ↩

  8. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

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

    ↩

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

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