Clematis ligusticifolia aka Old Man's Beard

Clematis ligusticifolia is a woody vine in the buttercup family. Its names include western white clematis and California clematis. It is native from western and central Canada to northern Mexico. It grows across much of the western United States, in temperate zones. In the wild, it climbs trees and shrubs near streams. It also grows by rivers and in canyon bottoms.

This vine sheds its leaves. In gardens, it reaches about 16 feet [5 metres]. Virginia Tech gives a larger size of 50 feet [15.2 metres]. Its tangled stems can cover plants or structures beneath them. Leaf stalks grip twigs and branches by curling around them. Young stems are green and wiry, with ridges. They turn brown with age. The bark starts smooth and pale brown. It then splits lengthwise and peels in long strips. Leaves grow in pairs across from each other. Each has five to seven leaflets in a pinnate, or feather-like, pattern. Each leaflet is oval or shaped like a heart. The lobes and teeth vary.

White flowers grow in branched groups through much of summer. Plants For A Future gives a bloom time of August to September. Each flower has four or five sepals but no petals. Sources differ on the flowers' sexes. They may have separate sexes or both sexes in one flower. Virginia Tech says most plants have separate male and female flowers. Plants For A Future says bees and flies pollinate them. The small, dry, brown fruits have long, white, feather-like tails. These form loose seed heads that add interest after bloom. Seeds ripen from September to October.

Grow this vine in sun or part shade, with shaded roots. It likes deep, moist soil that drains well. Both acid and alkaline soils suit it, including chalk. Clay that drains poorly will not suit it unless drainage improves. Plants For A Future also warns against light sandy soil. The listed USDA hardiness range is zones 4–8. It suits woodland edges and gardens with patches of shade. Its dense growth can overwhelm its support. Plants For A Future notes clematis wilt as a growing concern.

The records list no edible uses for this species. Plants For A Future reports no confirmed poisoning cases for this species. This does not mean the plant is safe to eat. Native peoples of North America used it for several health treatments. They put it on sores and made remedies for colds. Records also note the use of stem fibre for string. The seed fluff served as tinder and insulation. Roots supplied material for a hair wash.