Clematis serratifolia

Rehder

Yellow clematis, Korean clematis

Ranunculaceae Edible: Leaves, Caution Potential hazards — see below 106 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Clematis serratifolia, the Korean clematis, is a species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to Khabarovsk and Primorsky Krais of the Russian Far East, Manchuria, and the Korean Peninsula. A deciduous climber reaching 3 to 4 m (10 to 13 ft), in the wild it is often found growing in calcareous soils, but can handle acidic soil as well. As an ornamental it is grown for its citrus-like floral aroma and its fluffy seedheads, and is recommended for courtyards, walls, borders, and the like.

Description

A woody climbing vine. It grows 3 m tall. It loses its leaves during the year.

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Edible Uses

Young shoots can be eaten but must be cooked. Some caution is advised due to known toxicity concerns in this species.

Traditional Uses

CAUTION: Most Clematis contain an irritant poison. The young shoots are cooked and eaten.

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Medicinal Uses

None known.

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, some if not all members of this genus are mildly poisonous. The toxic principle is dissipated by heat or by drying.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It usually grows on limestone soils. In China it grows at about 400 m. It is hardy to hardiness zone 6.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Russia, Tasmania,

Cultivation

Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage. Dislikes light sandy soils. Does well on chalk. Succeeds in acid as well as alkaline soils. A twining plant. The leafstalks wrap themselves around twigs and branches for support. When a side of the stalk touches an object, the growth on that side slows down whilst the other side grows at its normal rate - this causes the leaf stalk to entwine the object it is touching. Flowers are produced on the current season's growth, any pruning is best carried out in spring. When planting out, in order to avoid the disease 'clematis wilt', it is best to plant the rootball about 8cm deeper in the soil. This will also serve to build up a good root crown of growth buds. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.

Propagation

Sow seed fresh in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe; stored seed should also be sown in a cold frame as soon as it is obtained. Pre-soak seed for 12 hours in warm water and remove as much of the tail and outer coat as possible. Cold stratification is beneficial. Germination occurs in 1–9 months or more at 20°c. Prick seedlings out into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame through their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Take internodal cuttings of soft to semi-ripe wood in late spring, rooted in sandy soil in a frame. Propagate also by layering old stems in late winter or early spring, or by layering the current season's growth in early summer.

Other Uses

None known.

Notes

There are about 250 Clematis species.

References (3)

Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 70
Mitt. Deutsch. Dendrol. Ges. 19:248. 1910
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/