Clematis douglasii - Hairy Clematis

Family:	Ranunculaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.6
Width:	0.6
Synonyms:	C. hirsutissima. Pursh.
Range:	Western N. America - British Columbia to Washington, east to Montana and Wyoming.

Clematis douglasii (Hairy Clematis) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.6m and a width of 0.6m . It has a hardness rating of 6.
Hairy Clematis will flower in November to December. the seeds ripen from January to March
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees, flies

Soil Information

Hairy Clematis will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Hairy Clematis prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Hairy Clematis can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Moist open areas of plains, hills and woods, up to 2,500 metres[212].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in any fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position[233]. Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade[11, 200]. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage[11, 200]. Dislikes light sandy soils[11]. Does well on chalk[1, 233]. Succeeds in acid as well as alkaline soils[200]. 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[200]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
A decoction of the leaves has been used to treat headaches[257]. The root has been used in the treatment of congested nose pain[257].

• Miscellany - Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[164, 200]. 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[164]. A period of cold stratification is beneficial[164]. The seed germinates in 1 - 9 months or more at 20°c[164]. 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[200]. Layering of old stems in late winter or early spring[200]. Layering of current seasons growth in early summer[200].

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[65].

Other Uses

The seed floss makes an excellent tinder for starting fires, a spark from a flint will quickly ignite it[212]. The seed floss can be used as an insulation in shoes etc[212].

• Insulation - Providing insulation against extremes of temperature, sound or electricity.
• Tinder - Used for starting fires. See also Kindling.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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