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Clematis alternata - Kitam.&Tamura.

Common Name
Family Ranunculaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
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].
Habitats Forest margins and shrubberies, often amongst Pinus, Picea and Larix species, at elevations of 2200 - 2500 metres[273].
Range E. Asia - Himalayas from central Nepal to southern Tibet.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Clematis alternata


Clematis alternata

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of climber
Clematis alternata is a deciduous Climber growing to 4 m (13ft 1in). It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Ophthalmic

The juice of the plant is dripped into the eye in the treatment of conjunctivitis, though it does make the eye painful for about an hour[272].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. However, judging by its native range, it is likely to succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. This is an unusual species in the genus, being the only one with alternate rather than opposite leaves[273]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade and its shoots growing up to the light[164]. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage[11, 200]. Dislikes light sandy soils[11]. Succeeds in acid as well as alkaline soils[200]. A twining plant, the leafstalks wrap themselves around twigs and branches for support. When a side of the stalk touches an object, the growth on that side slows down whilst the other side grows at its normal rate - this causes the leaf stalk to entwine the object it is touching[212]. 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 in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant 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].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

Coming Soon

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Clematis apiifolia Climber5.0 6-9 FLMHSNM12 
Clematis barbellata Climber4.0 -  LMHSNM02 
Clematis brachyura Climber1.0 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Clematis buchananiana Climber6.0 6-9 FLMHSNM12 
Clematis chinensisWei Ling XianClimber5.0 5-9  LMHSNM12 
Clematis columbianaRock ClematisClimber3.0 4-8  LMHSNM011
Clematis connata Climber7.0 5-9 FLMHSNM01 
Clematis douglasiiHairy ClematisPerennial0.6 5-9  LMHSNM011
Clematis flammulaFragrant Virgin's Bower, Fragrant clematisClimber4.0 5-9 FLMHSNM103
Clematis ianthina Climber4.0 4-8  LMHSNM10 
Clematis ligusticifoliaWhite Clematis, Western white clematis, California clematis,Climber5.0 4-8  LMHSNM021
Clematis mandschurica Perennial1.2 6-9  LMHSNM02 
Clematis microphyllaHeadachevineClimber3.0 8-11  LMHSNM01 
Clematis orientalisOriental virginsbowerClimber4.0 5-9  LMHSNM011
Clematis patens Climber4.0 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Clematis pierotii Climber3.0 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Clematis rectaGround virginsbowerPerennial Climber1.5 3-7  LMHNM11 
Clematis serratifolia Climber3.0 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Clematis ternifloraSennin-So, Sweet autumn virginsbower, Sweet Autumn Clematis, Fall ClematisPerennial Climber5.0 5-9 FLMHSNM111
Clematis tibetana Climber4.0 5-9  LMHSNM02 
Clematis trichotoma Climber5.0 -  LMHSNM10 
Clematis vitalbaTraveller's Joy, Evergreen clematisClimber15.0 4-8 FLMHSNM121

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

Kitam.&Tamura.

Botanical References

273

Links / References

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Readers comment

   Tue Feb 7 2006

Lao Dan - PhytoResearch

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Subject : Clematis alternata  
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