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Western White Clematis

Clematis ligusticifolia

1 Gallon

Western White Clematis

Out of stock

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Western White Clematis — Clematis ligusticifolia

Also known as: Virgin’s Bower, Old Man’s Beard

Western White Clematis is a vigorous, deciduous vine native to riparian corridors and woodland edges across much of the western United States, including higher elevation washes and canyons of the Mojave and northern edges of the Colorado Desert. You’ll most often find it climbing through shrubs and trees in moist desert canyons, arroyos, or streambanks—where its roots can remain shaded and cool while the vine stretches upward into sunlit areas.

This twining vine can grow 15–30 feet long, using nearby plants or structures for support. It produces abundant creamy-white flowers with four petal-like sepals from late spring to early fall, depending on elevation. The fragrant flowers are especially showy when the plant is in full bloom and are followed by feathery, silvery seed plumes that remain on the plant long after the flowers fade—giving rise to its nickname “Old Man’s Beard.”

Western White Clematis prefers moist but well-drained soil and does best in partial shade to full sun where its roots are protected. It can be slow to establish but rewards patience with a dramatic display and high wildlife value. Ideal for naturalistic plantings, arbors, or restoration along desert creeks and washes. It is not well-suited to hot, dry, exposed sites in the lower Colorado Desert without supplemental water and root protection.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funeralis)
Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funeralis); various native bees
Bird Resources: Insects; Shelter; Nest Material
Bird Species: Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria); Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii); California Towhee (Melozone crissalis)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Cold Hardiness:

-13 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Yes

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.