Family
Ranunculaceae

Distribution
It is found throughout New Zealand in lowland to montane: {The lower vegetation belt on mountains} forest and scrub.

Description
The best-known of New Zealand's native clematis, Clematis paniculata has masses of pure white flowers with the male flowers, about 5-10cm, larger than the female. Its dark green leaflets are 5-10cm long and 3-5cm wide, smooth margined or with a few rounded teeth towards the tip, their number stabilises at about three in the adult plant. The leaflet stalks twine around trunks, branches and twigs taking it high into tree canopies. This is an evergreen, bearing male and female flowers on separate plants, the female having seed vessels that are attractive silky tassels.

Cultivation
Clematis paniculata likes a free-draining, shaded site that has some air movement. Plant where its roots are shaded and use a thick layer of mulch to maintain a cool root run and enrich the soil. It can climb up a tall tree or shrub as well as cover a pergola or railing.