Clematis columbiana
| Clematis columbiana | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 4 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 10' |
| Blooms: | Early Summer-Mid Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Clematis columbiana (common name: rock clematis)
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[1][2]. 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[1]. A period of cold stratification is beneficial[1]. The seed germinates in 1 - 9 months or more at 20°c[1]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for the 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[2].
Layering of old stems in late winter or early spring[2].
Layering of current seasons growth in early summer[2].
Cultivation: Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade[3][2]. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage[3][2]. Dislikes light sandy soils[3]. Does well on chalk[4]. Succeeds in acid as well as alkaline soils[2].
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[2].
A twining plant[5]. 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[6].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[2].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[7].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[8].
Range: Western N. America - British Columbia to Colorado and Oregon.
Habitat: Dry to moist soils of woods and thickets, from valleys to around 2,500 metres in the mountains[6].
Medicinal: A poultice of the pounded, dampened leaves has been applied to the feet to treat sweaty feet[9].
A cold infusion of the plant can be used as a lotion on swollen knees and ankles[9].
The plant has been used as a head wash and to treat scabs and eczema[9].
Usage: The seed floss makes an excellent tinder for starting fires, a spark from a flint will quickly ignite it[6].
The seed floss can be used as an insulation in shoes etc[6].
An infusion of the leaves alone, or the leaves and stems, has been used as a hair wash to prevent gray hair[9].
Pollinators: Bees, flies
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
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[10].
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Bird, Alfred. Growing from Seed Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan, 1990.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Davis, Ray and Frank Craighead. A Field Guide to Rocky Mountain Wildflowers. The Riverside Press, 1963.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ Hatfield, Audrey. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd, 1974.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.