Himalayan clematis (Clematis montana, Syst. Nat. 1: 164 (1817))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: Buch.-Ham. ex DC.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. 1: 164 (1817)

Year: 1817

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Clematis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Afghanistan to Taiwan

Description

The Himalayan clematis, scientifically known as Clematis montana, is a vigorous and enchanting flowering plant belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. Originating from a broad geographic range that extends from Afghanistan to Taiwan, this remarkable species has been celebrated for its delightful appearance and ease of cultivation.

Renowned for its rapid growth and abundant blooming, the Himalayan clematis is often a favorite among gardeners and horticulturists. It produces an impressive display of flowers, typically in late spring to early summer, that can transform any garden into a visual feast. The blossoms are characterized by their striking white to pale pink hues and an alluring fragrance that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the ecosystem’s health.

The plant’s foliage is equally impressive, with its lush, green leaves providing a verdant backdrop that enhances the beauty of the blossoms. These leaves are usually trifoliate, adding an intriguing texture and depth to the plant’s overall appearance. In addition to its ornamental value, the Himalayan clematis is also known for its resilience and adaptability, thriving in a range of environmental conditions commonly found across its native regions.

Historical references to Clematis montana date back to its formal classification in 1817, documented in the authoritative work “Syst. Nat.” by Buch.-Ham. ex DC. This long history of documentation underscores the plant’s enduring appeal and significance in botanical studies and horticulture.

For gardeners looking to cultivate the Himalayan clematis, it is essential to provide it with adequate support structures, such as trellises or arbors, to accommodate its climbing nature. With proper care, which includes ensuring well-drained soil and sufficient sunlight, this plant can flourish and provide many years of splendid floral displays.

In summary, Clematis montana, or the Himalayan clematis, is a testament to nature’s beauty and resilience, offering both ornamental charm and ecological benefits. From its historical roots to its widespread modern-day appreciation, this plant continues to capture the hearts of plant enthusiasts worldwide.

Common Names

Eng: himalayan clematis
Nld: bergbosrank
Cym: barf-yr-hen-ŵr himalaiaidd
En: Himalayan clematis
Az: Dağ ağəsməsi
Bg: Планински повет
Zh: Xiu qiu teng, 繡球藤, 绣球藤
Da: Bjerg-Skovranke
Nl: Bergbosrank
Fi: Vuorikärhö
Fr: Clématite des montagnes, Clématite à petites feuilles
De: Bergwaldrebe
Hu: Hegyi iszalag
Fa: کلماتیس مونتانا
Pl: Powojnik górski
Ru: Ломонос горный
Sv: Bergklematis
Zh-tw: 繡球藤
Ta: க்ளிமேடிஸ் மோன்டானா
Cy: Barf-yr-hen-ŵr Himalaiaidd

Synonyms

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken May 21, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 18, 2017 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2017 by Céline Bastin (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 18, 2017 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Pochmarski Robert (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2021 by manulav (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2022 by selen eldogan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Dan d’Auge (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 20, 2022 by Stefan Spoon (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2020 by Michel Kleinschmidt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2020 by Alison Ball (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Dan d’Auge (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 9, 2022 by FSL A (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2019 by Yves Vd Berghe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 2, 2020 by Emma Franklin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2021 by Vitalii🌺Suprun (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2019 by Mannig Kolja (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by François Narboux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2022 by Nikoletta Magyar (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6376216)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:709900-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Clematis montana Buch.-Ham. ex DC.)

Specifications

Growth