Clematis ligusticifolia
| Clematis ligusticifolia | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 5 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 16' |
| Blooms: | Late Summer-Early Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Clematis ligusticifolia (common name: white 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 their 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 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 - Alberta and British Columbia south to California and New Mexico.
Habitat: Grows over trees and shrubs along rivers, creek banks and canyon bottoms[6].
Medicinal: White clematis was employed medicinally by a number of native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints, but especially as an external application on sores etc[9]. It is rarely used in modern herbalism but probably merits investigation[K].
A decoction of the plant is used to treat colds and sore throats[6][9]. It has also been used as a general tonic when feeling out of sorts[9].
An infusion of the white bark has been used as a febrifuge[10][9].
An infusion of the roots has been used to treat headaches and stomach aches[9].
A poultice of the foliage has been used to treat chest pains and rheumatic joints[9].
An infusion of the plant has been used as a wash for skin eruptions, sores, wounds, backaches, swollen limbs, tired feet, syphilitic sores, eczema etc[9].
The stalks and roots have been used to make a woman's contraceptive[9].
A poultice made from the cut stems has been applied to the teeth for treating toothache[9].
A poultice of the mashed, moistened seeds has been applied to severe burns[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]. It has also been used in baby's nappies[9].
The stems have been used to make a string[9].
A shampoo made from the roots can be used as a hair shampoo[9].
Pollinators: Bees, flies
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Seed Ripens: Early Fall-Mid 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[11].
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 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 6.4 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.
- ↑ 9.00 9.01 9.02 9.03 9.04 9.05 9.06 9.07 9.08 9.09 9.10 9.11 9.12 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.
- ↑ Weiner, Michael. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books, 1980.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.