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Ochre Clematis 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 Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family and found in dry woodland, sandy grasslands, rocks, or disturbed sites in the eastern United States and the piedmont of North Carolina. It has a neat habit, growing 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. Its name derives from the Greek word klÄ“matis, meaning brushwood or broken branches, perhaps owing to the fragile stems. 

Plant in full sun to partial shade and in moist to occasionally dry, well-drained soils. It is especially difficult to propagate by cuttings, so save the seed. 

The fuzzy, pendulous, solitary, bell-shaped flowers occur in April to June, and the seed heads that follow are quite ornamental. The flowers 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:
  • '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:
    Woody
    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:
    Native Plant
    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:
    Cream/Tan
    Gold/Yellow
    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 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
    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