# Pipestem Clematis (*Clematis lasiantha*)

Pipestem Clematis is a beautiful flower that climbs up trees and fences. It has lovely white blooms that can make gardens look magical during springtime.

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Forests

![Pipestem Clematis](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Clematis_lasiantha.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Eric in SF, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Clematis_lasiantha.jpg)

## Appearance

The Pipestem Clematis is a climbing woody vine with attractive creamy white to pale yellow flowers. These blossoms stand out with their many prominent, feathery stamens, giving them a unique fluffy appearance against green, compound leaves. It looks like a wild, tangled beauty.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Ranunculales
- **Family:** Ranunculaceae
- **Genus:** Clematis

## Interesting facts

- Early settlers used its tough stems as rope for pipes, hence "Pipestem"!
- Its fluffy white seed heads look like tiny exploding fireworks!
- This plant can grow taller than a giraffe's neck if it finds a good spot!
- You might spot its fuzzy flowers blooming even in winter's chill!

## Special abilities

- **Climbing Grip:** Pipestem Clematis uses its twisting stems and petioles to latch onto other plants or structures, helping it climb high for sunlight.
- **Wind Rider Seeds:** Pipestem Clematis produces seeds with long, feathery plumes that catch the wind, helping them travel far to new growing spots.
- **Tough Vine Armor:** Pipestem Clematis develops woody stems that become strong and durable, helping it support its growth and resist damage over many years.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 300-900 cm
- **Spread:** 100-300 cm
- **Flower Size:** 2.5-5 cm
- **Bloom Season:** Late winter to late spring
- **Edible:** No
- **Toxicity:** Mild
- **Lifecycle:** Perennial
- **Pollination Method:** Insect

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** Yellow-faced Bumblebee (*Bombus vosnesenskii*) — Collects nectar and pollen, aiding reproduction.
- **Eaten by:** [Mule Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mule-deer) (*Odocoileus hemionus*) — Deer browse on its leaves and young shoots.
- **Shelter:** [Coast Live Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coast-live-oak) (*Quercus agrifolia*) — Uses oak branches for support, climbing towards sunlight.

## Traits

- [Climbing/Vine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/climbing-vine): Climbing or vine plants are characterized by a growth habit that allows them to ascend upwards by twining, tendrils, or adhesive roots.
- [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
- [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
- [Spring Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spring-blooming): Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
- [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
- [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

## Collections

- [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch flowers without asking an adult.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Pipestem Clematis?

Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Pipestem Clematis?

300-900 cm

### How wide does Pipestem Clematis spread?

100-300 cm

### How big are the flowers on Pipestem Clematis?

2.5-5 cm

### When does Pipestem Clematis bloom?

Late winter to late spring

### Is Pipestem Clematis edible?

No

### Is Pipestem Clematis toxic?

Mild

### What is Pipestem Clematis's lifecycle?

Perennial

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Pipestem Clematis: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pipestem-clematis)