Western Virgin’s Bower – Clematis ligusticifolia (KLEM-uh-tiss lig-us-tik-ih-FOH-lee-a)

Family: Ranunculaceae (Ranunculus Family)

Native to: Throughout western Northern America, including CA; along rivers, creek banks and canyon

bottoms. Locally on Palos Verdes Peninsula, Santa Monica Mountains.

Growth characteristics: perennial vine mature length: 6-12 ft (usually); to 20+ ft. Fast-

growing partially woody vine, usually growing draped over trees and shrubs. Semi-evergreen in our area;

winter-deciduous in colder regions. Delicate-looking bright green leaves. Lives at least 10 years

(probably more with less summer water). Unique-looking vine.

Blooms/fruits: Usually blooms late spring (May-June) through summer. Flowers are small, creamy-

white in large clusters. Sweetly fragrant – may be intensely so on a warm day.

Uses in the garden: Most useful as a climbing vine on trellis, arbor or pergola, where you can enjoy the

summery scent. Useful as groundcover and for erosion control. Nice addition to woodland garden or

stream bed. Note: skin allergies possible; also foliage toxic if eaten.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native fragrant vines such as non-native Clematis & Honeysuckles.

Attracts: Excellent habitat plant – one of the best for native insects. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted by nectar. Also provides cover for birds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to part-shade; roots of plant are generally in shade in nature.

Soil Medium textures best; need to be well-drained, but amended clays are ok.

Water Regular water (every 2 weeks in dry periods) to keep it green in summer; fairly drought tolerant but will loose leaves and may not flower as well

Fertilizer Would benefit from organic mulches

Other

Management: Tough & disease-resistant. Rejuvenate by cutting back to 1 ft. above ground every 3-5

years. Use mulches to keep roots cool & moist in hot areas. Will compete with other plants.

Propagation: from seed: fresh seed best. Soak & stratify 2-3 mo. by cuttings: semi-softwood after

flowering or layering in spring.

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 5, 8, 13, 14, 19, 20, 24 11/26/10 © Project SOUND

Clematis ligusticifolia - California Clematis