Tag: autumn clematis

Feathered Seeds

Autumn clematis is completely charming, even in the winter. It’s the seeds. Of course, the seeds can also be a big problem.

Autumn clematis seed clusters in situ.
Autumn clematis seeds have fluffy, plumed tails. Photographed December 5, 2018.

I suspect that the feathers are there to help the seed travel a little further from its parent, but I have never seen seedlings from it.

Unfortunately, autumn clematis is listed as invasive. Be very careful with this plant. I think the reason for its good behavior in my yard is the relatively terrible spot it occupies—dry shade under a silver maple. If that’s not enough, it is underplanted with, among other things, Yugoslavian geranium, Carex pensylvanica, grape hyacinths, asters, Tulipa tarda, and bluebells. And did I mention that I do not water this particular bed, ever?

Poison ivy and garlic mustard encroach and get pulled regularly from the rental behind the fence, so I would say that at least in dry shade in this area autumn clematis is not as thuggish as poison ivy and garlic mustard—and Japanese honeysuckle!

November: Dark Days and Erratic Weather

We’ve had snow, icy fog with heavy frost, rain, and plenty of gloom. Dark days, yes, but I am not going to talk about the thick, dark clouds—they  have no redeeming characteristics.

Snow

We have awoken to snow-covered plants and cars several times already. This is my kind of snow: pretty, and not sticking much to any pavement that would require shoveling.

Autumn clematis seed clusters seem built to hold snow caps. The seeds are furry. Those green tendrils are not attaching them to the plant—they are at the other end, and will fluff out into feathery plumes that probably help keep the seeds aloft. Photographed on November 18, 2018.

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