Wild Clematis (Clematis virginiana)

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(Top) The two hand-sized Hybrids, dwarf the 3/4-inch blossoms of the Wild Clematis (center). . This 3/4" size may be used to estimate the size of the foraging Insects, from the tiny Fly (left) to the very large Wasp/Hornet (right). . The Wild Clematis is an ambitious perennial Vine which may grow 20 feet or more if there is nearby vegetation to hold its weight and act as an arbor for its profusion of fragrant bloom. . Host to Countless Species and Varieties of Bees, Flies, Wasps, Hornets, Spiders, Ants, Butterflies, and Beetles which come for the Pollen and Nectar or to prey on other Insect visitors. . You may also find a Caterpillar or two, like the tiny camouflaged one on the left above, which has avoided the attention of nearby winged predators. There is a Russian Olive shrub hidden under this vigorous Wild Clematis. The very large and scarce Wasp or Hornet above (and Top-right) is nearly 2-inches in length and wingspan of 3". If you can identify it, or any of the other insects on this page please E-mail us. Polistes dominulus, Vespidae........................................................................Polistes fuscatus     ..© Copyright 2004....................GardenGrapevine.com......................All Rights Reserved.

The Wild Clematis can be eliminated by cutting them back to ground level when the seeds begin to form. You can attempt to remove the roots, but any rootlets left in the ground may foster new Plants next Spring. It may be better to allow the old roots to send up tender shoots and kill them with a Herbicide or the heat from a torch.

If you welcome the sweet Garden fragrance and Caterpillar-destroying Insects, you can limit expansion of the Wild Clematis by following the above paragraph without the use of Herbicide or repeated heat from a torch. Seed-laden clippings are best burned.

There should be minimal damage to host "trellises" since the Wild Clematis matures late in the growing season. This is assuming that you remove the vines prior to seed maturity.