Blue Clematis
western blue virginsbower
Clematis occidentalis
Perennial Herb
Clematis occidentalis
Perennial Herb
This illusive plant grows in bushes along roadsides. A climbing vine with beautiful purple flowers, blooming in May-July. It grows in a variety of areas but prefers moist soil and is often found on hills or steep slopes. It's very similar to its sister plant, Clematis columbiana, with the main difference being the shape of petals. The blue Clematis shown here has smooth petals ending in a point. The bright green leaves grow in clusters of three, and the stem acts as the arms reaching for other plants and structures to grow around, and the support system for the plant.
DESCRIPTION:
Flower
There are four blue petals making up this flower. They are lance shaped and have a gradient color pattern. In the early stages of the flowers life the petals all grow closed together closing around the center. As the plant matures the petals branch out and open wide to expose the center of the plant where the seeds turn into long hairs to be carried on the wind.
Flower
There are four blue petals making up this flower. They are lance shaped and have a gradient color pattern. In the early stages of the flowers life the petals all grow closed together closing around the center. As the plant matures the petals branch out and open wide to expose the center of the plant where the seeds turn into long hairs to be carried on the wind.
WHOLE PLANT:
Stem
As the support for the plant, the stem grows long and has many arms branching out to find other plants to grow on. This woody vine grows to be around 6 feet long!
Stem
As the support for the plant, the stem grows long and has many arms branching out to find other plants to grow on. This woody vine grows to be around 6 feet long!
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Leaves
The bright green leaves grow in clusters of three all along the vine. They grow on opposing sides of the vine, and each have their own 1-2 centimeter long stalk. These hairy leaves are almost heart shaped, starting out very wide and end in a single point or a slightly toothed end. |
Root
The roots grow to be around 2 feet wide and 2 feet under ground. It is a mix between fibrous roots and tap roots. The Tap roots reach far down to stabilize the plant, and the fibrous roots coolect water and nutrients for the plant above.
The roots grow to be around 2 feet wide and 2 feet under ground. It is a mix between fibrous roots and tap roots. The Tap roots reach far down to stabilize the plant, and the fibrous roots coolect water and nutrients for the plant above.
WHERE TO FIND IT:
The blue clematis prefers shaded areas with most soil. It tends to grow along roadsides or creek sides in high elevation areas. It is sometimes hard to spot due to it blending in while it grows up other plants and branches.
The blue clematis prefers shaded areas with most soil. It tends to grow along roadsides or creek sides in high elevation areas. It is sometimes hard to spot due to it blending in while it grows up other plants and branches.
WHEN TO FIND IT:
These flowers bloom through May and July.
These flowers bloom through May and July.