Clematis drummondii

Stems scrambling to climbing with tendril-like petioles and leaf-rachises, 4-5 m or more. Leaf-blade odd-pinnate, usually 5-foliolate; leaflets deltate to ovate, strongly 3-parted to 3-cleft, proximal leaflets sometimes 3-cleft, 1.5-5.5 × 0.5-4.5 cm, membranous to leathery; segments ovate, deltate, or linear, margins dentate; surfaces pilose, abaxially more densely so. Inflorescences usually axillary, 3-12-flowered simple cymes or compound with central axis or flowers solitary or paired. Flowers unisexual; pedicel slender, (1.1-) 1.5-7 cm; sepals widespreading, not recurved, white to cream, oblong or elliptic to obovate or oblanceolate, (7-) 9-13 (-15) mm, abaxially and adaxially pubescent; stamens 40-90; filments glabrous; staminodes 17-35 when present; pistils 35-90. Achenes elliptic to ovate, 3-5 × l. 5-2.5 mm, rimmed, short-silky; beak 4-9 cm.

Phenology: Flowering spring–fall (Mar–Oct).
Habitat: Chaparral, xeric scrub, oak scrub, and grasslands, pastures, fencerows, and other secondary sites, often along streams or on slopes
Elevation: 0-2200 m

Ariz., Calif., Colo., N.Mex., Okla., Tex., n Mexico

Discussion

As with many other members of the subgenus, the leaves of Clematis drummondii are reputedly used in a poultice to treat irritations of the skin in humans and other animals.

Clematis coahuilensis D. J. Keil is found in central and north-central Mexico in habitats similar to those of C. drummondii; it is distinguished by ovate, entire to 3-lobed, leathery leaflets.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa