Common Name: Sugar Bowl

General Information

Clematis hirsutissima is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial plant producing stems around 15 - 60cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. It is occasionally grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

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[].

Botanical References

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Range

Western N. America - Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico,

Habitat

Moist open areas of plains, hills and woods; at elevations up to 2,500 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Clematis hirsutissima is native to the temperate zone of the Rocky mountains in western N. America, where it can be found at elevations up to 2,500 metres. A moderately cold-tolerant plant, when fully dormant it can withstand temperatures down to about -20°c[]
Succeeds in any fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position[]. Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade[, ]. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage[, ]. Dislikes light sandy soils[]. Does well on chalk[, ]. Succeeds in acid as well as alkaline soils[].
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[].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A decoction of the leaves has been used to treat headaches[].

The root has been used in the treatment of congested nose pain[].

Other Uses

The seed floss makes an excellent tinder for starting fires, a spark from a flint will quickly ignite it[].
The seed floss can be used as an insulation in shoes etc[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[, ]. 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[]. A period of cold stratification is beneficial[]. The seed germinates in 1 - 9 months or more at 20°c[]. 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[].
Layering of old stems in late winter or early spring[].
Layering of current seasons growth in early summer[].