Clematis aristata|Mountain or Austral Clematis, Old Man's Beard

Cardinia indigenous plant guide

Description

Woody climber, suckering to form new plants. Ascends to upper storey canopy.

Size (W x H)

Vigorous climber to 15m high

Leaves

Leaves dull, paired with serrated edges, juvenile - egg-shaped, purplish with white lines, adult - divided into 3 leaflets, leaflets egg-shaped, 3-8cm x 1-5cm. Stalks often twisted around other stems.

Flowers

Male & female flowers on separate plants (dioecious). Branched bunches of starry flowers. Female flowers followed by feathery 'catherine wheel' seed heads.

Flower colour

Creamy white

Flower time

August to March

Growing conditions

Moist to wet well drained soil in cool forests and gullies. Full sun to full shade.

Commonly used for

Beautiful but vigorous creeper for larger gardens. Requires a cool root run. Can be pruned. Useful on pergolas and trellises but will become open below the canopy.

Available at indigenous nursery

Attracts birds

Photo gallery

Acknowledgement

Thank you to Shire of Yarra Ranges for assistance in compiling this directory