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Uses

Toxic parts

All parts of the plant are poisonous[1], the toxic principle is dissipated by heat or by drying[2].

Edible uses

Notes

Young shoots - cooked and used like hop shoots (Humulus lupulus)[1][3][4]. Caution is advised due to reports of toxicity[1].

Leaves

Material uses

The stems are used in basketry[5][6].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The leaves are analgesic, diuretic and rubefacient[1][4]. The boiled roots and stems are used as a cure for the itch[7]. When applied in the nostrils, the plant juice has been used to relieve migraine attacks, but it can also destroy the mucous membranes[1]. The plant should not be taken internally because it is poisonous[1].

A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism and skin eruptions[8].

The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Indifference', 'Dreaminess', 'Inattention' and 'Unconsciousness'[9]. It is also one of the five ingredients in the 'Rescue remedy'[9].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Climber

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[10][11]. 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[10]. A period of cold stratification is beneficial[10]. The seed germinates in 1 - 9 months or more at 20°c[10]. 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.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, taken between nodes, July/August in a frame[12]. Internodal cuttings of soft to semi-ripe wood, late spring in sandy soil in a frame. Layering of old stems in late winter or early spring[11].

Layering of current seasons growth in early summer[11].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Clematis vitalba. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade[13][11]. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage[13][11]. Dislikes light sandy soils[13]. Does well on chalk[12]. Dislikes acid soils below a pH of 6.0[14]. Succeeds in acid as well as alkaline soils[11].

Plants are hardy to about -18°c[15]. A twining plant[16]. 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[14][17]. It is capable of growing 2 metres in a year and can easily smother small trees and shrubs[14]. Another report says that it can grow 5 metres in a year[15]. 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[11]. The flowers are almond-scented[15]. They are produced on the current season's growth[18]. The plant is very amenable to pruning and can be cut back severely if required. This is best done in early spring[15]. A greedy plant, inhibiting growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[19]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[20].

This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[21][11].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Clematis vitalba. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Clematis vitalba.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Clematis vitalba
Genus
Clematis
Family
Ranunculaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
4
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    ?
    Growth Rate
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    "image:Lomonos vin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Lomonos vin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Lomonos vin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Lomonos vin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Lomonos vin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Lomonos vin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Lomonos vin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Lomonos vin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Lomonos vin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Lomonos vin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Lomonos vin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Lomonos vin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Lomonos vin.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.51.61.7 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
    2. ? Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (1984-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.3 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.1 Polunin. O. Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide. Oxford University Press ISBN 0192176218 (1969-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain. ()
    7. ? 7.07.1 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.2 Chancellor. P. M. Handbook of the Bach Flower Remedies C. W. Daniel Co. Ltd. ISBN 85207 002 0 (1985-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.110.210.3 Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. (1990-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.111.211.311.411.511.611.711.8 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.113.213.3 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.114.2 Beckett. G. and K. Planting Native Trees and Shrubs. Jarrold (1979-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.115.215.3 Davis. B. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking. ISBN 0-670-82929-3 (1990-00-00)
    16. ? Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 (1992-00-00)
    17. ? Craighead. J., Craighead. F. and Davis. R. A Field Guide to Rocky Mountain Wildflowers The Riverside Press ISBN 63-7093 (1963-00-00)
    18. ? Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins ISBN 0-00-219220-0 (1983-00-00)
    19. ? Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd ISBN 0-584-10141-4 (1977-00-00)
    20. ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
    21. ? RHS. The Garden. Volume 112. Royal Horticultural Society (1987-00-00)
    22. ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)

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