Clematis ligusticifolia (Western White Clematis)

Plant Description: A stunning white flowering clematis native to the Portland Area and wider Willamette Valley, more common in upland and Oak eco systems. This native vines grows up to around 20 feet long and 6 feet wide with woody vines. Flowers are creamy to white and grow in bracketed clusters of 3. This plant differs from the similarly flowered invasive clematis Clematis vitalba, or Old Man’s Beard in several ways. Old Man’s Beard is extremely aggressive and can grow often more than 3 times the size rapidly, whereas Western White Clematis is less assertive in the garden. Old Man’s Beard also has smooth leaves, whereas Western White Clematis is usually hairy and coarse leaved. 

Height: 20-30 feet

Width: 6-10 ft

Light requirements: Full sun-part shade

Water Requirements: Well draining

Portland Plant List (PPL): Yes

Landscape Use and Ecological Function: Western White Clematis is an excellent trellised plant in most gardens, growing well in sunny-partial shade conditions. It typically grows in the Portland Area Oak Ecosystems, making it great for sun-part sun gardens and would grow well in the understory of most deciduous trees.