Common Name: White Clematis

General Information

Clematis ligusticifolia is a vigorousm deciduous climbing and scrambling plant usually growing up to 6 metres tall, though specimens up to 20 metres have been recorded[].
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 and central N. America - British Columbia to Manitoba, south to California, Arizona, New Mexico and northwest Mexico.

Habitat

Woodlands, especially coniferous, growing over trees and shrubs along rivers, on creek banks and in canyon bottoms; at elevations from 500 - 1,600 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Climber
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Clematis ligusticifolia is a very cold-hardy plant, being able to tolerate temperatures down to around -25°c when fully dormant.
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[].
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[].
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

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[]. It is rarely used in modern herbalism but probably merits investigation[].

A decoction of the plant is used to treat colds and sore throats[, ]. It has also been used as a general tonic when feeling out of sorts[].
An infusion of the plant has been used as a wash for treating skin eruptions, sores, wounds, backaches, swollen limbs, tired feet, syphilitic sores, eczema etc[].

An infusion of the white bark has been used as a febrifuge[, ].

An infusion of the roots has been used to treat headaches and stomach aches[].

A poultice of the foliage has been used to treat chest pains and rheumatic joints[].

The stalks and roots have been used to make a woman's contraceptive[].

A poultice made from the cut stems has been applied to the teeth for treating toothache[].

A poultice of the mashed, moistened seeds has been applied to severe burns[].

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[]. It has also been used in baby's nappies[].

The stems have been used to make a string[].

A shampoo made from the roots can be used as a hair shampoo[].

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 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[].
Layering of old stems in late winter or early spring[].
Layering of current seasons growth in early summer[].