Clematis douglasii
| Clematis douglasii | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 6 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 2' |
| Width: | 2' |
| Blooms: | Late Spring-Early Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Clematis douglasii (common name: hairy 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: Succeeds in any fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position[3]. Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade[4][2]. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage[4][2]. Dislikes light sandy soils[4]. Does well on chalk[5][3]. 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].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[3].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[6].
Range: Western N. America - British Columbia to Washington, east to Montana and Wyoming.
Habitat: Moist open areas of plains, hills and woods, up to 2,500 metres[7].
Medicinal: A decoction of the leaves has been used to treat headaches[8].
The root has been used in the treatment of congested nose pain[8].
Usage: The seed floss makes an excellent tinder for starting fires, a spark from a flint will quickly ignite it[7].
The seed floss can be used as an insulation in shoes etc[7].
Pollinators: Bees, flies
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Seed Ripens: Mid Summer-Early Fall
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[9].
Also Known As: C. hirsutissima. Pursh.
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 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Hatfield, Audrey. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd, 1974.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Davis, Ray and Frank Craighead. A Field Guide to Rocky Mountain Wildflowers. The Riverside Press, 1963.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.