Hairy clematis facts for kids

Clematis hirsutissima is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the buttercup family. People often call it the hairy clematis because of its fuzzy parts.

This plant grows naturally in many parts of the western United States. You can find it from Washington all the way to Nebraska. Unlike most other Clematis plants, the hairy clematis usually grows straight up. It does not grow like a climbing vine.

Quick facts for kids Clematis hirsutissima
Scientific classification

What the Hairy Clematis Looks Like

The hairy clematis is a small plant. Its stem is usually fuzzy and can grow up to about half a meter tall. It has many leaves that are also hairy. These leaves are divided into parts that look like the tip of a spear.

Its Unique Flowers

A single flower grows at the very top of the stem. This flower has a special shape, like an urn or a small pot. The flower's "petals" are actually sepals. Sepals are leaf-like parts that protect the bud. These sepals are deep purple-blue and feel fuzzy. They can have tips that are pointed or rounded.

Sometimes, you might find a rare hairy clematis with white or pinkish sepals. This plant does not have any true petals.

Seeds and Fruit

After the flower blooms, it forms a fruit. This fruit is called an achene. It is also hairy. Each achene has a very long, thin part that looks like a beak. At the end of this "beak" is a feathery plume. This plume helps the seeds to float away in the wind.

Where the Hairy Clematis Grows

This plant is found across a wide area in the western United States. It grows in different environments. Its appearance can change quite a bit depending on where it grows. This means there are many different types, or varieties, of the hairy clematis.

See also

In Spanish: Clematis hirsutissima para niños