Clematicissus spp.

native grape

Vitaceae

Australia and southern South America

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Clematicissus spp. is a genus of about ten species of tendril-climbing, woody to semi-woody vines in the grape family, Vitaceae, with a disjunct range divided between Australia and southern South America. Stems climb by forked tendrils that arise opposite the leaves, reaching 6-30 feet (1.8-9 m) into shrubs and trees or scrambling over rock. Leaves vary from simple and lobed to deeply divided or compound with narrow leaflets, and several Australian species die back to a woody or tuberous rootstock in the dry season. Small greenish to yellowish flowers are borne in branched clusters opposite the leaves and give way to round, grape-like berries that ripen black or dark blue, each holding one to four seeds. The berries draw birds, which spread the seed. Most species grow in warm-temperate to subtropical woodland, scrub, and rocky slopes and tolerate seasonal drought once established. The genus was split from Cissus spp. and related grape allies on the basis of flower and tendril structure. The fruits of some species are astringent and not eaten, and the vigorous growth can swamp small supports.

Native Range

Clematicissus spp. is native to Australia and southern South America, a disjunct range split between the two southern continents. The Australian species grow across the south, east, and west of the continent in open woodland, scrub, and rocky country, while the South American species occur in Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil.

Suggested Uses

Clematicissus spp. is grown on trellises, pergolas, fences, and banks in warm-climate gardens, and in native plantings where its fast cover and bird-attracting fruit are wanted. The tuberous Australian species are also kept by collectors of caudex-forming plants. Its rampant growth makes it better placed on strong supports than among delicate shrubs.

How to Identify

Look for a climbing vine that grips by forked tendrils set opposite the leaves, with foliage ranging from lobed simple leaves to compound leaves of narrow leaflets. Small greenish flowers appear in branched clusters opposite the leaves, followed by round black or blue-black grape-like berries. The opposite-leaf tendrils and grape-like fruit place it in the grape family, while the divided leaves of many species separate it from true grapes (Vitis spp.).

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 30'

Width/Spread3' - 10'

Colors

Flower Colors

green

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Flowering occurs in spring and summer, with timing depending on hemisphere and local climate. The small greenish flowers are inconspicuous and draw small insects. Dark berries follow over summer and autumn and persist until taken by birds.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Clematicissus spp. grows in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil and climbs by tendrils onto trellises, fences, shrubs, or rock. Most species tolerate heat and seasonal drought once established, and the tuberous-rooted Australian species resprout after dry or cold dormancy. Frost hardiness varies, with most species suited to USDA zones 9-11 and a few tolerating light frost. Plants need a support to climb and room to spread, since growth can be rampant in warm conditions. Lean, well-drained soil and full sun produce sturdier stems and heavier fruiting. Overly rich or wet ground encourages soft, leafy growth.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring while dormant to thin tangled stems and keep the vine within its support, as plants flower and fruit on new growth. Cut back hard to restrict size, since vigorous species resprout readily from old wood and the rootstock. Remove dead or frosted stems as they appear.