Climbing semi-woody vine, often several m long. Stems glabrous to pubescent. Leaves pinnately compound. Leaflets usually 5-9, variable in shape, not toothed, the lowest and largest sometimes two- or three-lobed, variable in size on the same plant, the largest usually 3-9 cm (1.2-3.5 in) long and 2.5-5 cm (1-2 in) wide. Flowers solitary on peduncles, urn-shaped, about 2.5 cm (1 in) across. Sepals bluish to dark purple, leathery, joined at the base and recurved at the tip, 1-3.5 cm (0.4-1.4 in) long. Styles persistent, silky, curved or twisted, 1.5-2.5 cm (0.6-1 in) long.
Distribution: Indiana west to Nebraska and south to Texas and Tennessee.
Habitat: Forest margins, stream banks.
NWI status: FACU
Comment: Clematis is a name given by Dioscorides to some slender climbing plant; pitcheri honors the discoverer of the species, Zina Pitcher.
Distribution in Oklahoma: 
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Last update: 9/9/99
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