Drummond's Clematis

As with many other members of the subgenus, the leaves of Clematis drummondii are reputedly used in a poultice to treat irritations of the skin in humans and other animals.

Clematis coahuilensis D. J. Keil is found in central and north-central Mexico in habitats similar to those of C. drummondii ; it is distinguished by ovate, entire to 3-lobed, leathery leaflets.

Stems scrambling to climbing with tendril-like petioles and leaf-rachises, 4-5 m or more. Leaf blade odd-pinnate, usually 5-foliolate; leaflets deltate to ovate, strongly 3-parted to 3-cleft, proximal leaflets sometimes 3-cleft, 1.5-5.5 × 0.5-4.5 cm, membranous to leathery; segments ovate, deltate, or linear, margins dentate; surfaces pilose, abaxially more densely so. Inflorescences usually axillary, 3-12-flowered simple cymes or compound with central axis or flowers solitary or paired. Flowers unisexual; pedicel slender, (1.1-)1.5-7 cm; sepals wide-spreading, not recurved, white to cream, oblong or elliptic to obovate or oblanceolate, (7-)9-13(-15) mm, abaxially and adaxially pubescent; stamens 40-90; filments glabrous; staminodes 17-35 when present; pistils 35-90. Achenes elliptic to ovate, 3-5 × l.5-2.5 mm, rimmed, short-silky; beak 4-9 cm.

Ariz., Calif., Colo., N.Mex., Okla., Tex.; n Mexico.

Flowering spring-fall (Mar-Oct).

Chaparral, xeric scrub, oak scrub, and grasslands; pastures, fencerows, and other secondary sites; often along streams or on slopes; 0-2200m.

Clematis nervata Bentham

Clematis drummondii is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, that is native to the Southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas) and northern Mexico. Common names include old man's beard, Texas virgin's bower, and barba de chivato. It is a white-flowered vine that can be found clambering among other wildflowers, on shrubs and on fence rows. The natural habitat of C. drummondii includes the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts as well as prairies and grasslands. The sap of this plant is caustic, although its foliage, stems, and roots can be used for dye if caution is used while handling and if breathing the fumes is avoided.