How much sun does Pipestem need?

Pipestem grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Pipestem bloom?

Pipestem blooms in February, March, April, and May.

Where is Pipestem native?

Pipestem (Clematis lasiantha) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Pipestem toxic to dogs?

Yes. Pipestem 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 Pipestem toxic to cats?

Yes. Pipestem 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.

Pipestem

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Clematis lasiantha

Last reviewed: September 2026

Pipestem (Clematis lasiantha) is a perennial vine native to CA. It blooms in February, March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees.

Pipestem is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 and your veterinarian's emergency line.

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

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

120"–240" H × 60"–120" W

Bloom

Feb, Mar, Apr, May

Native to

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains

A vigorous woody vine that scrambles over shrubs and fences, covered in creamy white star-shaped flowers in late winter and spring, followed by fluffy seed heads. It needs a sturdy support and occasional pruning to stay controlled.

Growing Pipestem

Grow Pipestem in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 120 to 240 inches tall and spread 60 to 120 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Early-season flowers provide nectar and pollen for native bees, and the fluffy seed heads offer nesting material for birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Pipestem need?: Pipestem grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Pipestem bloom?: Pipestem blooms in February, March, April, and May.
Where is Pipestem native?: Pipestem (Clematis lasiantha) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Pipestem toxic to dogs?: Yes. Pipestem 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 Pipestem toxic to cats?: Yes. Pipestem 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 Pipestem attract?: Pipestem draws bees.

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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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