by Laura Davis,
Native Plants Class 2002
Common name: Western virgin's-bower, clematide, yerba de chivato,
pepper vine
Family name: Ranunculaceae
Synonymy:
Etymology: Clematis is the Greek name for climbing vine. The epithet
ligusticifolia means "Ligusticum like leaves" (7).
Identification
Growth form: Clematis ligusticifolia is a vine, which is
herbaceous above and woody near its base, it grows between 20 and 40'
long and climbs over shrubs, rocks, trees or whatever is at hand. It climbs
by aid of the petioles and its opposite and compound leaves (5).
Roots:
Stems: The new stems are green to tan or brown, they turn brown
to gray with age (7).
Leaves: The smooth green leaves are variable in both size and shape
(7), they are pinnately compound with 3-7, usually 5, (7), lance or egg-shaped
leaflets, may be toothed along the edges (3).
Inflorescence/flowers: The flowers are small, white and inconspicuous
(3), lack petals, with 4 white petal like sepals and numerous white stamens
(2).
Fruit: "Achenes borne in large heads, ovoid, densely pubescent;
mature styles elongate, 1-2 in. long, plumose with long straight hairs,
1-seeded "(7).
Similar species: Clematis ligusticifolia is closely related
to Clematis drummondii, with which it is thought to hybridize
with when they are in areas of contact (7).
Ecology
Life history: Perennial vine
Native/introduced: Native
Photosynthetic pathway:
Phenology: Clematis ligusticifolia flowers between
May and September, with the fruit maturing between August and November
( 7). The male and female flowers occur on separate plants (1). "The
seeds have styles which lengthen after pollination into long feathery
structures adapted for wind distribution " (4). While its fragrance
attracts bees (2), the genera produces only pollen, not nectar (4).
Distribution: Found between 3000-8500', in thickets and moist canyons
in western Texas, through New Mexico, Arizona, to California, North Dakota,
Montana and British Colombia (7).
Uses
While the entire genera has been found to contain strong chemical constituents
which may irate skin, mucous membranes, and may cause internal bleeding
(6) Clematis ligusticifolia was used in a variety of ways . The Spanish
Americans, who called it yerba de chivato, herb of the goat, used it to
wash wounds (5). The Native Americans used an infusion of leaves on horses
for sores and cuts, used fibers for snares and carrying nets, the white
portion of the bark for fever and the leaves and bark for shampoo and
carrying nets (5). The leaves and stems have a peppery flavor and were
used by early travelers in salads hence the name pepper vine (5). It was
also said to be useful in the treatment of skin diseases, ulcers and colds
(5).
References
1. Elmore,
F.H., 1976. Shrubs and Trees of the Southwest Uplands , Southwest Parks
and Monuments Association, Tucson, Arizona.
2. Epple, A.O. and L.E. Epple, 1995. A Field Guide to the Plants of Arizona, Falcon Publishing Co., Helena, Montana.
3. Fagan, D., 1998. Canyon Country Wildflowers, A Field Guide to Common Wildflowers, Shrubs, and Trees, Falcon Publishing Co., Helena, Montana.
4. Heywood,V.H., 1993, Flowering Plants of the World, Oxford University Press, New York.
5. Sweet, M.,1998. Common Edible and Useful Plants of the West, Naturegraph Publishers, Inc., Happy Camp, Ca.
6. Tilford, G. L., 1997. Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West, Mountain Press Publishing Company, Missoula, Montana.
7. Vines,R.A., 1960. Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines of the Southwest, University of Texas Press, Austin.
