Clematis flammula L.

Strong, deciduous climber with woody base, 3–5 m high. Leaves biternate or flammuliform; leaflets 9–15 (rarely more), broadly ovate to narrowly oblong, 1.5–4 cm long, entire or sometimes 2-or 3-lobed, acute to obtuse, ± coriaceous, glabrescent. Flowers many, in large axillary and terminal dichasial panicles, bisexual, 2–3 cm diam., fragrant. Tepals oblong, 8–14 mm long, glabrous above, glabrescent below, with narrow, white-tomentose margin, white. Stamens 5–10 mm long; filaments linear, glabrous; anthers linear, 3–4 mm long, obtuse, without appendage; staminodes absent. Achenes strongly compressed, ovoid, 5–6 mm long, 4–5 mm wide, dark brown with paler margins, appressed-pubescent to glabrous; awn 2–5 cm long.

It is a temperate and Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in scrub, hedges and along walls and waste places. It does best in cool, moist, rich soils. It needs a protected sunny position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought.

CAUTION: Most Clematis contain an irritant poison. The young shoots are boiled and eaten. They are used in omelettes and stir fried.

It can be grown by fresh seed or from cuttings.