Clematis barbellata

Clematis barbellata belongs to Ranunculaceae, the buttercup family. It is a deciduous climber: it sheds its leaves each year. Its native range starts in southern Tibet. It extends into the central and western Himalaya. The plant grows in a temperate climate. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Wild plants grow in woods and places with shrubs. Some of these woods have rhododendron and conifers. Known sites lie about 6,990–12,010 feet [2,130–3,660 metres] above sea level.

The plant grows to about 13 feet [4 metres] tall. Its leafstalks coil around nearby twigs and branches for support. Touch slows growth on one side of each stalk. The other side keeps growing. This bends the stalk around what it touches. In this way, the plant climbs through shrubs. The supplied sources give no details on this species’ leaf shape. They give none on its bark or fruit either.

Flowers open from May to August on the current season’s growth. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees and flies pollinate the flowers. A woodland garden has several possible spots for this plant. It can grow at a sunny edge of the woods. It can also grow in patches of sun and shade. Large shrubs can support its stems as they climb. Plants that climb through shrubs do not often need pruning.

Give it deep, moist soil that drains well. Shade the roots, but let the shoots reach the light. It grows in sun or part shade. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. It can grow even in very acid ground. PFAF lists several suitable soil textures, but adds some care limits. The plant dislikes light, sandy soil. It also dislikes heavy clay that drains poorly. Added grit can help clay drain better. PFAF states that it is hardy to UK zone 5. It gives no RHS hardiness rating.

Grow new plants from seed, cuttings, or layering. Sow fresh seed in a cold frame when ripe. Cold treatment can help seeds sprout. Yet they may take nine months or longer to sprout. Keep young seedlings in a cold frame for their first winter. PFAF lists no known food uses. It reports past use of leaves as remedies for gut complaints. These uses also include sinus trouble and headaches. Such reports do not show that use is safe. PFAF has no poisoning reports for this species. Still, it warns that plants in the genus may be toxic.