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Curlyhead Clematis ochroleuca

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Coriflora ochroleuca
  • Viorna ochroleuca
  • Viorna ovata
Phonetic Spelling
klem-AH-tiss owk-roh-LEW-ka
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Curlyhead clematis is a native, woody, perennial sub-shrub in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) found in dry woodlands, sandy grasslands or disturbed sites in the eastern United States, including the piedmont (and rarely, mountains) of North Carolina. The epithet is Latin for “yellowish white,” which describes the flower color of some color forms.

Plant in full sun to partial shade and in moist to occasionally dry, well-drained soils. In the wild, it can be found growing in limestone-derived soils, a fact that suggests this plant tolerates alkaline soils. It is especially difficult to propagate by cuttings, so propagation by seed is a better option.

It has a neat habit, growing 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. The fuzzy, pendulous, solitary, bell-shaped flowers occur in April to June, and the seed heads that follow are quite ornamental. The flowers come in several colors: yellowish white, pale blue or pale pink on the inside and darker on the outside. They all attract bees. 

Curlyhead clematis looks at home in native or rock gardens, woodlands or perennial borders.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems 

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. 

More information on Clematis.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Bald Knob'
    Creamy white fuzzy flowers
'Bald Knob'
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#small spaces#native shrub#low maintenance#NC native#rock garden#border planting#disturbed areas#hairy leaves#clumping#subshrub#vertical spaces#food source nectar#food source pollen#bird friendly#food source hard mast fruit#butterfly friendly#problem for cats#problem for dogs#bee friendly#problem for horses#Audubon#th-touch#th-sight#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Bald Knob'
    Creamy white fuzzy flowers
'Bald Knob'
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#small spaces#native shrub#low maintenance#NC native#rock garden#border planting#disturbed areas#hairy leaves#clumping#subshrub#vertical spaces#food source nectar#food source pollen#bird friendly#food source hard mast fruit#butterfly friendly#problem for cats#problem for dogs#bee friendly#problem for horses#Audubon#th-touch#th-sight#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Clematis
    Species:
    ochroleuca
    Family:
    Ranunculaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Eastern U.S.A.
    Distribution:
    GA , NC , NY , SC , VA
    Wildlife Value:
    Bees are attracted to the flowers.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 3 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Multi-stemmed
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Achene
    Fruit Description:
    Seedheads look like fuzzy curly whorls and are available August-September.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Cream/Tan
    Gold/Yellow
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Urn
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Pendulous fuzzy yellow-white to cream-colored bells with purple, blue or pink tones that bloom April-June
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Soft
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Whorled
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Description:
    Ovate green leaves with entire margins
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Small Space
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Irritant glycoside (Protoanemonin)
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No