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Curlyheads

Clematis ochroleuca

Last reviewed: July 2026

Curlyheads (Clematis ochroleuca)
Photo: Averater / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Curlyheads is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–96" H × 12"–48" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

GA, MD, NC, NJ and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Curlyheads is a native vine that produces clusters of creamy white flowers from May through July. This climbing clematis can reach 8 feet tall and develops attractive, feathery seed heads after blooming that give the plant its common name.

In an HOA neighborhood

Curlyheads is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

  • Needs sturdy support structure
  • Can look bare in winter as deciduous vine

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the long blooming period. The seed heads provide texture and interest while supporting small wildlife through fall and winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Curlyheads need?
Curlyheads grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Curlyheads bloom?
Curlyheads blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Curlyheads native?
Curlyheads (Clematis ochroleuca) is native to GA, MD, NC, NJ and 3 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Curlyheads toxic to dogs?
Yes. Curlyheads is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Curlyheads toxic to cats?
Yes. Curlyheads is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What pollinators does Curlyheads attract?
Curlyheads draws bees and beetles.
Is Curlyheads HOA-friendly?
Curlyheads is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Curlyheads and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.

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