Rock Clematis
Clematis columbiana
Last reviewed: July 2026
Rock 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"–120" H × 24"–96" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Rock clematis is a climbing perennial vine that produces delicate purple or blue flowers from May through July. This plant can reach up to 10 feet tall and spreads 2 to 8 feet wide, making it excellent for covering fences, trellises, or arbors.
In an HOA neighborhood
Rock 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 sparse or messy without proper training
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the summer blooming period. The vine provides nesting habitat and shelter for small birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Rock Clematis need?
- Rock Clematis grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Rock Clematis bloom?
- Rock Clematis blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Rock Clematis native?
- Rock Clematis (Clematis columbiana) is native to AZ, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Rock Clematis toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Rock 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 Rock Clematis toxic to cats?
- Yes. Rock 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 Rock Clematis attract?
- Rock Clematis draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Rock Clematis HOA-friendly?
- Rock Clematis 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 Rock Clematis and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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