Linnaeus named the Clematis genus in 1753.  
See also white Clematis

Foothills, montane. Woodlands.  Spring, early summer.
Shearer Creek Trail, May 17, 2006 and Ryman Creek Trail, June 16, 2010.

The large flowers of this Clematis do not mean that the plant is conspicuous, for the plant tends to twine along the ground, into low bushes, and up tree trunks in deep forest shade. Look for Clematis columbiana near the bottom of moist mountainsides.

Linnaeus named the Atragene genus in 1753, Thomas Nuttall named this species Atragene columbiana in 1834, Torrey and Gray renamed it Clematis columbiana in 1838, and Jens Hornemann (1770-1841) named it Atragene occidentalis.

The word "Atragene" is of unknown meaning and origin.

Foothills, montane. Woodlands.  Spring, early summer.
Taylor Creek Trail, June 2, 2004 and Ryman Creek Trail, June 16, 2010.

Flowers are large with hairy, prominently veined, pointed petals.  Flowers often nod.

Range maps © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Eradicated
Questionable presence

Range map for Clematis columbiana

See also white Clematis