Clematis alternata

Clematis alternata is a climber in the Ranunculaceae family. It is deciduous, which means it sheds its leaves each year. Kew calls its growth form a climbing subshrub. Its native range runs from southern Tibet to Nepal. It grows in a temperate climate in that range. The RHS states that it is not native to Britain or Ireland. It grows at woodland edges, not as a tree or upright shrub.

The plant reaches about 13 feet [4 metres] in height. It does not keep its leaves all year. Its leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. They do not grow in pairs across from each other. This trait is rare for a clematis. The account gives no width for a full-grown plant. It gives no facts on this species' bark or leaf shape. These gaps limit what we can say about its garden form.

Plants For A Future lists blooms from June to July. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees and flies pollinate the blooms. The evidence gives no facts on flower colour, shape, or scent. It gives no account of this species' fruit, either. The RHS describes flowers and seedheads for the whole genus. Those facts do not show how this species looks in bloom or fruit.

In the wild, it grows at forest edges and among shrubs. It often shares these sites with pine, spruce, and larch. Known sites lie around 7,220–8,200 feet [2,200–2,500 metres] above sea level. Plants For A Future lists sun and part shade as suitable. It lists moist soil that drains well, in several soil textures. Its pH range spans slightly acid to slightly alkaline ground. The source suggests woodland edges and shade with patches of light for gardens. How much cold it can bear in Britain is unclear. The source gives no firm cold limit.

Plants For A Future lists no known food uses. It gives the plant a zero rating for use as food. It notes a past use of plant juice for conjunctivitis, an eye ailment. It also notes eye pain after use. This is not advice for safe use. The source reports no proven cases of poisoning by this species. Its wider warning covers other plants in the genus. Whether this species is toxic thus remains unclear. The supplied evidence names no pests or diseases for this species.