Texas clematis is a woody, deciduous, perennial, twining vine in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) that is native to the southeastern Edwards Plateau in Texas, where it can be found on limestone cliffs, rocky slopes, and along stream beds. The species epithet is Latin for “of Texas.” Plant it in a site that receives dappled sunlight to partial shade and in loamy, sandy, or shallow rocky soils with a neutral to alkaline pH. This clematis flowers on new growth so it should be pruned in late spring (Type 3). Propagate by seed or stem cutting. Its scarlet, bell-shaped flowers bloom from summer to frost and are followed by showy fruits. It is drought tolerant and has a better density than most clematis. A rapid grower, Texas clematis can be trained to climb up a fence, arbor, or trellis, or to cover rock walls. At a mature height of 6 to 9 feet and width of 2 to 3 feet, it is a great choice for small spaces and cottage or rock gardens. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Powdery mildew, stem rot, and wilt may occur. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for " Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers " a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Clematis .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheClematis viornaClematis x hybridaClematis x jackmanii
The tulip or bell-shaped flowers have 4-8 (rarely more than 4) petal-like parts of various colors and many stamens. The petals are thick, leather-like, sepals. The outer side of the tepals can be anything from deep red to orange red, and the inner side is most frequently creamy yellow or pink-red.
Bloom time
Fall; Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit value
Showy
Fruit detail
This plant has many small, dry fruits (each with a silky-plumose tail).
Stem detail
Stems are bare and woody for the first two ft. They reach up to 9 ft and twine around supports by leaf petioles.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
southeastern Edwards Plateau in Texas
Play value
Attractive Flowers
Food & Medicine
Harvest time
Fall
Fruit type
Achene
Uses (ethnobotany)
Tea made from dried, chopped stems has been used for headaches, particularly migraines.
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Riparian; Rock Wall; Small Space; Vertical Spaces; Walkways
Landscape theme
Cottage Garden; Drought Tolerant Garden; Rock Garden
Contact Dermatitis; Poisonous to Humans; Problem for Cats; Problem for Children; Problem for Dogs; Problem for Horses
Resistant to
Black Walnut; Deer; Drought; Rabbits
Particularly resistant to
drought tolerant; may be less frequently damaged by deer
Propagation
Seed; Stem Cutting
Poison severity
High
Poison parts
Leaves; Sap/Juice
Poison symptoms
Clematis can cause severe mouth pain and ulcers if eaten. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses. Clinical signs are salivation, vomiting, diarrhea. In humans, symptoms may include dizziness, confusion, fainting, and convulsions. Fatalities are rare, due to the rapid and intense bitter taste and mouth irritation from eating. Gastric lavage is recommended and anti-inflammatory to soothe irritated tissue. Contact dermatitis results in skin redness and burning sensation for some people, gardening gloves are recommended.
Toxic principle
protoanemonin
Contact dermatitis
Yes
Toxicity summary
High severity poison; parts: Leaves; Sap/Juice; contact dermatitis