1. Chaparral (Pipestem) Clematis – Clematis lasiantha
(KLEM-uh-tiss lay-zee-ANTH-uh)
Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
Sierra Nevada Foothills, Central Western California, Southwestern California to Baja.
Locally in Santa Monica Mtns.; woods and shrubby areas in canyons and near streams in chaparral,
coast live oak riparian forest, coast live oak woodland.
Native to:
perennial vine
mature length: 8-20+ feet
Deciduous native vine. Showy-flowered vines which climb through the branches of shrubs and trees
or drape over them. Opposite leaves are pinnately divided into three generally ovate and variously
toothed or lobed leaflets. Can be trained to climb on arbors, trellises, other supports.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in winter/spring (generally Mar. to May). Produces a wealth of one inch,
creamy-white flowers followed by large fluffy attractive seed heads. Very showy in seed. Fragrant.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Mostly trained as a vine. Quickly covers a fence or trellis, and is attractive
twining through native shrubs. Showy in spring. Would be nice draping over a pergola, over arbor
or over a wall or fence. Could be used to hide unattractive garden buildings. Can also be used as
a groundcover, especially on hillsides.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native vines.
Attracts: Good hummingbird habitat. Also attracts an array of pollinator insects, incl. butterflies.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to light shade. Prefers that its roots are in shade; its leaves in sun.
Any well-drained soil; any local pH (5.0-8.0)
Needs little water once established (Zone 2).
Fine with organic mulches
Adaptable, tough and disease-resistant. Rejuvenate by cutting back to 1 ft. above
ground every 3-5 years. In very dry hot areas provide afternoon shade & mulch to cool the roots.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: stratify; charate treat
by layering: late summer
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14
2/11/11
© Project SOUND