Hairy Clematis

Clematis hirsutissima

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Genus:
Clematis
Species:
Clematis hirsutissima
USDA Symbol:
CLHI

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
purple, blue, lavender

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from deep taproot following fire; associated with fire-maintained mountain grasslands and meadows.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers open, rocky slopes and prairies

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification and may germinate erratically over several weeks.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold moist stratification for 112 days

Establishment: C. hirsutissima is found from southeastern British Columbia to eastern Washington and Oregon and east to Montana and Wyoming.

Source: npn.rngr.net

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Expose to fluctuating outdoor winter temps incl. freezing for 3 months. Increase light/temp in spring.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society