Blue Clematis
Blue clematis (Clematis occidentalis) is a perennial climbing woody vine with distinctive bluish-purplish flowers.
- Vines grow from a strong root system to 1-3 m in height, but some recumbent vines may reach 5m.
- Leaves grow on long hairy stalks in clusters of 3. They are variable in shape, from egg-shaped to lanceolate, with pointed tips. The stems act like tendrils, in support of the climbing habit.
- Single flowers grow on leafless stalks from the previous year’s growth.
- The flowers are nodding, and open more as they age.
- Four blue-purple sepals surround a cluster of yellowish stamens and styles. There are no petals.
- All photos taken by the author from the Interior areas. Click an image for a lightbox view and a caption.
- After flowering, soft-hairy achenes form. Hairy seeds are later dispersed by the wind.
- Blue clematis can be spotted in many ecosystems of our area, but it is typically found in gullies, edges of glades, shorelines, on the sheltered sides of bluffs, and into the subalpine zones. The traditional wisdom for clematis is feet in the shade and heads in the sun.
- Clematis is pollinated by bees, flies, butterflies, some moths, and hummingbirds.
- They can be propagated from root divisions, cuttings, or from seed.
- There are similar varieties in other parts of the province. White clematis (C. lingustifolia) is abundant in our river valleys.