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Purple Clematis

Clematis occidentalis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Purple Clematis is a deciduous climbing vine that blooms May through July with nodding purple flowers, often scrambling over rocks and shrubs in cool, well-drained sites.

Purple Clematis (Clematis occidentalis)
Photo: Yellowstone National Park from Yellowstone NP, USA / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Purple 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

36"–120" H × 24"–72" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CO, CT, DE, IA and 23 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested MountainsNorth American DesertsSouthern RockiesNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauNorthern PiedmontBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Purple clematis is a native climbing vine that produces attractive purple flowers from May through July. It grows 3-10 feet tall and requires some support structure like a trellis, fence, or arbor to climb effectively.

Growing Purple Clematis

Grow Purple Clematis in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 120 inches tall and spread 24 to 72 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

  • Requires support structure like trellis or fence
  • Can look bare in winter as deciduous vine
  • May appear unruly without regular pruning

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and butterflies during the extended blooming period. This native clematis provides nectar for pollinators when many other spring flowers have finished.

Common questions

When does Purple Clematis bloom?
Purple Clematis typically flowers from May through July, with nodding, bell-shaped purple blooms held on slender climbing stems.
What pollinators visit Purple Clematis?
Bees and butterflies are the main visitors, drawn to the nectar of its drooping purple flowers during the late spring and summer bloom period.
How much light and water does Purple Clematis need?
It grows best in part sun with medium moisture, though it tolerates brighter sun, partial shade, and somewhat drier soil once established, especially on rocky or well-drained sites.
What kind of growth habit does Purple Clematis have?
It is a slender, woody vine that climbs by twisting leaf stalks, scrambling over rocks, shrubs, and fences rather than clinging with tendrils or aerial roots.
Does Purple Clematis lose its leaves in winter?
Yes, it is deciduous and dies back to its woody stems each fall, leafing out again the following spring.
Is Purple Clematis toxic to dogs?
Yes. Purple 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 Purple Clematis toxic to cats?
Yes. Purple 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.
Is Purple Clematis HOA-friendly?
Purple Clematis is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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

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