Quick answer: Purple clematis (Clematis occidentalis var. occidentalis) is native to 15 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seeds, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Homer D. House, New York State Botanist. Walter B. Starr of the Matthews-Northrup Company, Buffalo, and Harold H. Snyder, Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium |
| Soil | Not recorded in the wildflower.org profile |
| Bloom | Mar-Jun |
| Height | Vine to 6 ft (up to 20 ft per other sources) |
| Wildlife value | Attracts birds/hummingbirds |
All parts poisonous; ingestion causes severe oral pain and mouth ulcers; contact causes skin redness/burning; toxic compound is anemonin
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seeds via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Purple clematis
Where is Purple clematis native?
Purple clematis (Clematis occidentalis var. occidentalis) is native to 15 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Purple clematis bloom?
Purple clematis blooms Mar-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Purple clematis need?
Light: Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium. Mature height: Vine to 6 ft (up to 20 ft per other sources).
Is Purple clematis good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts birds/hummingbirds.
Is Purple clematis deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Purple clematis is tolerates shade.
Is Purple clematis toxic?
All parts poisonous; ingestion causes severe oral pain and mouth ulcers; contact causes skin redness/burning; toxic compound is anemonin.
Where can I buy real Purple clematis seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seeds that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Clematis occidentalis var. occidentalis on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Purple clematis.
- Great laurel Rhododendron maximum
- American mountain ash Sorbus americana
- Sweet birch Betula lenta
- Mountain laurel Kalmia latifolia
- American cranberry Vaccinium macrocarpon
- Gray birch Betula populifolia
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.