Purple Clematis
Growth habit
Vine, Climber
Perennation
Long-lived polycarpic perennial
Native distribution
Native to the Finger Lakes Region, E. Que. to Man., S. to N.W. NC, U.P. of MI, IL & N.E. IA
Location
Source of plant
Unknown
Description
Purple clematis is a climbing perennial with a woody stem and has very showy flowers that are 1½-inches to 2-inches long and hang down in an attractive bell like shape. One large plant can support several vines and many clusters of flowers on each vine making it quite a showy plant. Purple clematis also blooms quite early in the growing season, usually about the time that common dandelions are just starting to bloom. The leaves are three parted and long stalked and occur all along the woody stem sometimes together with the clusters of flowers or by themselves. Vines with leaves only occur in shady situations, but in sunny locations, the plants can have dozens of flowers. The habitats where this plant can occur are listed as being "calcareous cliffs, rock ledges, talus slopes, gravelly embankments, rocky woods, and clearings" (Flora of North America, Volume 3. 1997).
USDA Hardiness Zone
3
Status
L1|S4|G5