Hairy Clematis
Clematis hirsutissima
Last reviewed: August 2026
Hairy Clematis (Clematis hirsutissima) is a perennial vine native to AZ, CO, ID, MT and 8 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw bees and beetles.
Hairy Clematis 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
12"–48" H × 12"–48" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CO, ID, MT and 8 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
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Hairy clematis is a compact native vine that forms bushy clumps rather than climbing aggressively. It produces purple bell-shaped flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by attractive feathery seed heads.
Growing Hairy Clematis
Grow Hairy Clematis in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 48 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hairy Clematis takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Vine growth habit appears unstructured
- Can look scraggly without support
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare stems
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles during its May-June bloom period. The seed heads provide food for birds in late summer and fall.
Common questions
- How much sun does Hairy Clematis need?
- Hairy Clematis grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Hairy Clematis bloom?
- Hairy Clematis blooms in May and June.
- Where is Hairy Clematis native?
- Hairy Clematis (Clematis hirsutissima) is native to AZ, CO, ID, MT and 8 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Hairy Clematis toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Hairy Clematis 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 Hairy Clematis toxic to cats?
- Yes. Hairy Clematis 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 Hairy Clematis attract?
- Hairy Clematis draws bees and beetles.
- Is Hairy Clematis HOA-friendly?
- Hairy Clematis takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 Hairy Clematis and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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