Clematis ochroleuca aka Curlyheads

Clematis ochroleuca has two common names: curlyhead and ochre clematis. It belongs to Ranunculaceae, the buttercup family. This small, woody plant is a perennial: it lives for years. It grows in the eastern United States. Its range includes New York, Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia. Wild plants grow in dry woods and sandy grasslands. They also grow on disturbed ground. In North Carolina, they grow in the Piedmont. Few grow in the state's mountains. The species name refers to some flowers' yellow-white color.

Plants form small, tight clumps with several stems. They do not form a climbing vine. They reach 1–2 feet [0.30–0.61 metres] tall. Their spread is about 1–1.25 feet [0.30–0.38 metres]. This small size suits sites with little room to spare. The green leaves feel soft and have hairs. Each simple leaf has one egg-shaped blade. Its edges are smooth, with no teeth or lobes. Leaves grow in opposite pairs or whorls around the stems. The stems have no scent.

Flowers bloom from April through June. Each hangs on its own, shaped like a small bell or urn. Each bloom has hairs. Flowers measure less than 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] across. They come in cream, yellow-white, pale blue, and pale pink. Some have purple tones, and their outsides may look darker. Bees visit for pollen and nectar. After bloom, the plant forms achenes, a type of fruit. These form showy seed heads with curled, hairy strands. The strands give the heads a soft look. Gold to yellow seed heads appear in August and September.

Grow curlyhead clematis in full sun or part shade. It needs soil that drains well but holds some moisture. It also accepts soil that dries out at times. It can grow in clay, loam, or sand. Wild plants grow in soil formed from limestone. This suggests it can cope with some alkaline soil. The listed hardiness range is USDA zones 4b through 8b. Seed is the best way to raise new plants. Cuttings are much harder to root.

Use this species in native gardens, rock gardens, or woodland plantings. It also suits borders of perennial plants and gardens for pollinators. Both flowers and seed heads add interest. It needs little care. Reports note no major pest or disease problems. The plant is poisonous to people, cats, dogs, and horses. Its toxin, protoanemonin, can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. The source gives the severity of poisoning a low rating. It reports no contact dermatitis, a skin rash from touch.