Clematis brachyura

Clematis brachyura is a perennial climber in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. It comes from Korea, where it grows in a temperate climate. Its wild sites include open woods and areas of shrubs. Records place these habitats around 656 feet [200 metres] above sea level. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. In gardens, it reaches about 3.3 feet [1 metre] tall. It loses its leaves for winter, and its stems may die back.

The plant climbs with leafstalks that curl around nearby supports. These can grip twigs and branches as the shoots grow. Contact slows growth on one side of the leafstalk. The other side keeps growing, which makes the stalk bend. This gives the plant a way to hold its support. Its flowers appear from June to August. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees and flies pollinate them.

A woodland garden or shaded edge suits this small climber. It can grow in part shade or full sun. It prefers deep, moist soil that drains well. Keep the roots shaded while the shoots reach the light. Poorly drained, heavy clay does not suit it. Added grit can improve drainage in clay soils. Light sandy ground is also less suitable. It grows on chalk and accepts acid through alkaline soils. PFAF lists it for USDA zones 5–9.

Growers can raise new plants from seed, cuttings, or layers. Sow fresh seed in a cold frame once ripe. Stored seed can benefit from a warm-water soak before sowing. A cold period can also help seed germinate. Germination may take one to nine months, or longer. Keep young plants in a cold frame through their first winter. Plant them out after the last expected spring frosts. Take soft to semi-ripe cuttings in late spring. Layer older stems in late winter or early spring.

PFAF records cooked young leaves as an edible use. It gives the plant a low food-use rating and urges caution. It reports no confirmed poisoning cases for this species. Its warning instead draws on toxicity within the wider genus. That warning does not establish this species as safe to eat. PFAF lists no known medicinal or other uses. It does not flag the plant as weedy.