Practical
Plants

Clematis ligusticifolia

White Clematis

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

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Foliage
deciduous
Height
5 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[11].

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.

White clematis was employed medicinally by a number of native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints, but especially as an external application on sores etc[9]. It is rarely used in modern herbalism but probably merits investigation[K]. A decoction of the plant is used to treat colds and sore throats[6][9]. It has also been used as a general tonic when feeling out of sorts[9]. An infusion of the white bark has been used as a febrifuge[7][9]. An infusion of the roots has been used to treat headaches and stomach aches[9]. A poultice of the foliage has been used to treat chest pains and rheumatic joints[9]. An infusion of the plant has been used as a wash for skin eruptions, sores, wounds, backaches, swollen limbs, tired feet, syphilitic sores, eczema etc[9]. The stalks and roots have been used to make a woman's contraceptive[9]. A poultice made from the cut stems has been applied to the teeth for treating toothache[9]. A poultice of the mashed, moistened seeds has been applied to severe burns[9].

Product or use
Analgesic
Product or use
Contraceptive
Product or use
Febrifuge
Product or use
Miscellany
Product or use
Odontalgic
Product or use
Poultice
Product or use
Skin
Product or use
Stomachic
Product or use
Tonic
Product or use
VD

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]. It has also been used in baby's nappies[9]. The stems have been used to make a string[9]. A shampoo made from the roots can be used as a hair shampoo[9].

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

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Climber

Environment

Range
Western N. America - Alberta and British Columbia south to California and New Mexico.
Habitat
Grows over trees and shrubs along rivers, creek banks and canyon bottoms[6].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 5+
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 their 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 seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[8]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[10].

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

    ↩

  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

  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↩5

  7. Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-449-90589-6

    ↩

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

    ↩

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

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8↩9↩10↩11↩12↩13

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

    ↩

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

    ↩

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