Identification and Reproduction

Identification

• Deciduous perennial plant that grows from woody stems. This vine can grow 20 to 30 metres long. 
• Stems are dark purple to green and will tightly twist around objects.
• Wild clematis leaves are pinnately compound, composed of 3 to 5 leaflets. 
• Also known as "Old man's beard", this plant has clusters of white to green flowers. They will ripen into leathery or fluffy seed heads, which will persist over winter. 

Reproduction

• Typically produce flowers and seeds after third year. Seeds are easily dispersed by wind, water, people and animals. 
• Can reproduce vegetatively by re-growing from roots and stems.
• Wild clematis is a very aggressive plant and grows five to seven times faster than ivy!

Habitat & Ecology

It is found in and around forested areas, wet, riparian and recently disturbed areas.

Impacts

Ecological: 

• Chokes out native forest species by blocking sunlight.
• Weighs down trees until they collapse or the branches break.
• They grow in dense mats. covering existing vegetation.
• Rapidly grows along and over water passages impacting water flow. 

Management

Mechanical/Manual Control: 

• Cut climbing vines near base and allow upper vines to die off.
• Dig and pull out groundcover during the winter months when the leaves have fallen. 
• Be sure to remove all stems and roots to prevent regrowth. 
• Plant native groundcover and conifer species to revegetate area. 

Resources

• Wild Clematis: Global Invasive Species Database
• Wild Clematis Identification and Control: King County
  • Note that they are based in the US and Canadian guidelines and regulations may differ. Be sure to follow chemical labels before use. 

Header photo (Johnny SB).