Southern California clematis
ExplorePlants
Southern California clematis
Clematis pauciflora
The Southern California clematis is a beautiful flower that grows in sunny places. Its lovely purple blooms can make any garden look special and attract butterflies and bees.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Southern California clematis is a scrambling vine with deeply cut, often grayish-green leaves. Its delicate, star-shaped flowers are creamy white to pale yellow, appearing in clusters and revealing fuzzy centers with many stamens.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRanunculalesFamilyRanunculaceaeGenusClematis
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its seeds wear fuzzy "hats" that help them float and spin through the air like tiny acrobats!
Look closely: tiny insects love to sip nectar from its small, star-shaped flowers that pop open early!
Some people call this plant "pipestem clematis" because its hollow stems can look like small pipes!
This tough vine can live for many, many years, growing bigger each spring!
Special abilities
Ability
Sun Seeker
Southern California clematis can scramble and climb over other plants to reach sunlight, giving it an advantage in crowded areas.
Ability
Drought Dodger
It has evolved to bloom early in the year, producing flowers before the hot, dry California summer arrives.
Ability
Feathery Flyers
Its seeds have long, feathery tails that act like parachutes, carrying them far away on the wind to new growing spots.
Ability
Mild Defender
This clematis contains compounds that give it a slightly bitter taste, which can deter most hungry animals from eating too much.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 100-300 cm
- Spread
- 50-200 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late winter to early spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Visits small flowers for nectar and pollen.
pollinates
Black-tailed Bumble Bee
Bombus melanopygus
An important native pollinator for early blooms.
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
May browse leaves, despite mild toxicity.
depends on
Coast Live Oak
Quercus agrifolia
Often uses larger plants like oaks for climbing support.
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.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch flowers without asking an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Southern California clematis?
100-300 cm
How wide does Southern California clematis spread?
50-200 cm
How big are the flowers on Southern California clematis?
1-2 cm
When does Southern California clematis bloom?
Late winter to early spring
Is Southern California clematis edible?
No
Is Southern California clematis toxic?
Mild
What is Southern California clematis's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Southern California clematis pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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