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.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Bald Knob'
Creamy white fuzzy flowers
- 'Bald Knob'
- 'Bald Knob'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Bald Knob'
Creamy white fuzzy flowers
- 'Bald Knob'
- 'Bald Knob'
- Tags:
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-
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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Multi-stemmed
- Maintenance:
- Low
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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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