Sennin-So, Sweet autumn virginsbower, Sweet Autumn Clematis, Fall Clematis
Clematis terniflora

Family: Ranunculaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Mid fall. Form: Upright or erect.

Clematis terniflora is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 5 m (16ft 5in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from September to October, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 5

Where it is found

Hedgerows in Kiangsi around 100 metres. Forest margins, scrub on slopes, grassy areas on hills, among rocks in coastal areas; near sea level to 800 metres.

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, North America, Russia, Siberia, Taiwan.

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young shoots - cooked. Parboiled, then eaten boiled or oil-roasted. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. The young buds (Does this refer to flower or leaf buds?) are parboiled then eaten boiled or oil-roasted, or they can be pickled in vinegar. Flowers. No more details are given.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Antidote, antiscrofulatic, ophthalmic. Used in the treatment of corneal opacities.

Antidote: Counters poisoning.

Antiscrophulatic: Counteracts scrofula. (TB, especially of the lymph glands)

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Other

Rating: 1

As an ornamental but can be invasive so plant with care. It's a vigorous climber.

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Arbor, Ground cover, Specimen. Prefers a deep moist soil in a sunny position. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage. Dislikes light sandy soils. Does well on chalk. Succeeds in acid as well as alkaline soils. This species has the potential to spread from cultivation in areas where it has been introduced and could become problematic. When planting out, in order to avoid the disease 'clematis wilt', it is best to plant the rootball about 8cm deeper in the soil. This will also serve to build up a good root crown of growth buds. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Not North American native, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Sow stored seed as soon as it is obtained in a cold frame. Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and remove as much of the tail and outer coat as possible. A period of cold stratification is beneficial. The seed germinates in 1 - 9 months or more at 20°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Internodal cuttings of soft to semi-ripe wood, late spring in sandy soil in a frame. Layering of old stems in late winter or early spring. Layering of current seasons growth in early summer.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Perennial Climber

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, some if not all members of this genus are mildly poisonous. The toxic principle is dissipated by heat or by drying.

This plant can be weedy or invasive.

Its other names

Local names

Sweet Autumn Clematis, leatherleaf clematis, yam-leaved clematis, Sennin-so,

Synonyms

C. maximowicziana. Franch.&Savat. C. paniculata. Thunb. non Gmel.