---
{
  "id": "chinese-clematis",
  "name": "Chinese clematis",
  "scientific": "Clematis orientalis",
  "category": "invasive",
  "status": "Colorado noxious weed · List B — Stop the spread",
  "status_sources": [
    "CO-rules-2025"
  ],
  "warning": "Smothers vegetation; irritating plant compounds",
  "warning_tone": "danger",
  "aliases": [],
  "taxonomy_note": "Native clematis can be difficult to distinguish when not flowering. The toxicology reference treats Clematis broadly; horticultural recommendations for other clematis are not applied to this listed weed.",
  "source_ids": [
    "CO-rules-2025",
    "J-chinese-clematis",
    "N-clematis",
    "S27",
    "Fremont-list-definitions"
  ],
  "description": "Chinese clematis: Smothers vegetation; irritating plant compounds. Identification and evidence for Colorado readers.",
  "claim_evidence": [
    {
      "label": "Recognize",
      "sources": [
        "J-chinese-clematis"
      ],
      "scope": "Species-specific",
      "note": "",
      "id": "chinese-clematis-1"
    },
    {
      "label": "Plants & habitat",
      "sources": [
        "J-chinese-clematis"
      ],
      "scope": "Species-specific",
      "note": "",
      "id": "chinese-clematis-2"
    },
    {
      "label": "People",
      "sources": [
        "N-clematis"
      ],
      "scope": "Genus-level warning, not a C. orientalis exposure series",
      "note": "",
      "id": "chinese-clematis-3"
    },
    {
      "label": "Dogs & cats",
      "sources": [
        "N-clematis"
      ],
      "scope": "Genus-level warning",
      "note": "",
      "id": "chinese-clematis-4"
    },
    {
      "label": "Other animals",
      "sources": [
        "N-clematis"
      ],
      "scope": "Genus-level warning",
      "note": "",
      "id": "chinese-clematis-5"
    },
    {
      "id": "chinese-clematis-list-meaning",
      "label": "State-list meaning",
      "sources": [
        "Fremont-list-definitions"
      ],
      "scope": "Colorado management-category definition; species classification retains its original status sources",
      "note": "Plain-language editorial label for a management category; not a toxicity or danger rating.",
      "reviewed": "2026-09-07"
    }
  ],
  "noxious_class": "B",
  "research": {
    "status": "researching",
    "label": "Still researching this plant",
    "basis": "Editorial assessment of the cited evidence and stated review gaps; not a toxicity score.",
    "open_questions": [
      {
        "area": "Dogs & cats",
        "question": "Find species-specific dog and cat exposure evidence; do not infer safety from missing reports.",
        "related_claim_ids": [
          "chinese-clematis-4"
        ]
      },
      {
        "area": "Identification",
        "question": "Resolve the taxonomic, common-name or photograph limitations stated in the identification caveat.",
        "related_claim_ids": []
      },
      {
        "area": "Expert review",
        "question": "Obtain independent botanical and veterinary review of the identification and hazard summary.",
        "related_claim_ids": []
      }
    ],
    "expert_review": "pending"
  },
  "noxious_class_label": "B — Stop the spread",
  "source": "content/plants/chinese-clematis.md"
}
---

# Chinese clematis

*Clematis orientalis*

**Colorado noxious weed · List B — Stop the spread.** [CO-rules-2025](https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=11948&fileName=8+CCR+1206-2)

Established in some areas. Requirements vary by location: eradication, containment or suppression to stop further spread. This is a management category, separate from danger ratings. [Category source](https://fremontcountyco.gov/weed-control/weed-identification) · [What the lists mean](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/safety/#weed-lists).

> **Smothers vegetation; irritating plant compounds.** [Exposure help](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/safety/).

**Identification caveat:** Native clematis can be difficult to distinguish when not flowering. The toxicology reference treats Clematis broadly; horticultural recommendations for other clematis are not applied to this listed weed.

## Still researching this plant {#research-status}

This is a sourced working profile. Evidence is incomplete for **Dogs & cats**. Identification and source-photo limits are explained below. Independent botanical and veterinary review is pending. **Uncertainty is not a finding that the plant is safe.**


## Three views of this plant

Source-identified reference photographs; these are not a complete identification key. A source location outside Colorado does not establish local occurrence.

![Several clematis fruit clusters with long, silky, twisting tails on woody stems.](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/assets/photos/list-bc-photos-clematis-orientalis-10.jpg)

**fruits** — Several clematis fruit clusters with long, silky, twisting tails on woody stems.

Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz; [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0); [source record](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Clematis_orientalis_kz01.jpg); [original image](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b2/Clematis_orientalis_kz01.jpg). Source-identified photograph with visual consistency check Clematis orientalis in the Botanischer Garten, Berlin-Dahlem Source labeling and visible consistency checked; not an independent specimen determination. Wikimedia-generated thumbnail rescaling only; downloaded bytes unchanged. Gallery display preserves the full image; the catalog preview uses a CSS crop.

![Yellow, nodding clematis flowers with spreading sepals and numerous stamens.](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/assets/photos/list-bc-photos-clematis-orientalis-11.jpg)

**flowers** — Yellow, nodding clematis flowers with spreading sepals and numerous stamens.

Photo: Yuriy75; [Public domain](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Clematis_orientalis;_Baikonur_03.jpg#Licensing); [source record](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Clematis_orientalis;_Baikonur_03.jpg); [original image](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Clematis_orientalis%3B_Baikonur_03.jpg). Source-identified photograph with visual consistency check Ломонос восточный ( Clematis orientalis ), цветки. Город Байконур, Казахстан Source labeling and visible consistency checked; not an independent specimen determination. Wikimedia-generated thumbnail rescaling only; downloaded bytes unchanged. Gallery display preserves the full image; the catalog preview uses a CSS crop.

![Dense green clematis foliage bearing many yellow flowers on a climbing or spreading vine.](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/assets/photos/list-bc-photos-clematis-orientalis-14.jpg)

**vine and foliage** — Dense green clematis foliage bearing many yellow flowers on a climbing or spreading vine.

Photo: Ruslan Kastani; [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0); [source record](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Clematis_orientalis_vine_flowering_in_Semey_Ormany.jpg); [original image](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b1/Clematis_orientalis_vine_flowering_in_Semey_Ormany.jpg). Source-identified photograph with visual consistency check State Forest Nature Reservat "Semey Ormany": East Kazakhstan Region Source labeling and visible consistency checked; not an independent specimen determination. Wikimedia-generated thumbnail rescaling only; downloaded bytes unchanged. Gallery display preserves the full image; the catalog preview uses a CSS crop.


## Recognize

A perennial vine with compound leaves, yellow bell-shaped flowers and feathery seedheads. [J-chinese-clematis](https://www.jeffco.us/2530/Chinese-Clematis)

## Plants & habitat

Climbs fences, shrubs and trees; heavy coverage can kill supporting vegetation. [J-chinese-clematis](https://www.jeffco.us/2530/Chinese-Clematis)

## People

NC State’s Clematis account reports mouth injury after ingestion and contact dermatitis. Use gloves and avoid tasting. [N-clematis](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/clematis/)

*Evidence scope: Genus-level warning, not a C. orientalis exposure series.*

## Dogs & cats

The genus source flags dogs and cats for vomiting, drooling and diarrhea. Keep pets from chewing; species-specific thresholds are unresolved. [N-clematis](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/clematis/)

*Evidence scope: Genus-level warning.*

## Other animals

The same genus source flags horses. No safe forage amount is established for Chinese clematis. [N-clematis](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/clematis/)

*Evidence scope: Genus-level warning.*

## Before taking action

Confirm identification and the requirements of your county weed program. For chemical treatment, follow the current product label, including restrictions around animals and water. [S27](https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/weeds-cultural-problems/2103-colorado-noxious-weeds/)

## References

- **CO-rules-2025** — [Colorado Noxious Weed Act rules, 8 CCR 1206-2](https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=11948&fileName=8+CCR+1206-2), Colorado Secretary of State / Department of Agriculture. Accessed 2026-09-07T01:07:48+00:00. Locator: Parts 3.1, 4.1, 5.1; management provisions; effective May 15, 2025.
- **J-chinese-clematis** — [Chinese Clematis](https://www.jeffco.us/2530/Chinese-Clematis), Jefferson County, Colorado. Accessed 2026-09-07T01:08:55+00:00. Locator: Species description and management.
- **N-clematis** — [Clematis](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/clematis/), NC State Extension. Accessed 2026-09-07T01:16:20+00:00. Locator: Species identity, description, ecological and exposure evidence; verify group scope.
- **S27** — [2103 – Colorado Noxious Weeds](https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/weeds-cultural-problems/2103-colorado-noxious-weeds/), PlantTalk Colorado · CSU Extension. Accessed 2026-09-07T00:23:57+00:00. Locator: List A, B and C management categories.


[Discuss this plant with the guide](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/companion/?plant=chinese-clematis) — choose this profile as a possible match and prepare your observations for Colorado Plants & Practical Care.

# Appendix for agents

## Open research questions

- **Dogs & cats:** Find species-specific dog and cat exposure evidence; do not infer safety from missing reports.
- **Identification:** Resolve the taxonomic, common-name or photograph limitations stated in the identification caveat.
- **Expert review:** Obtain independent botanical and veterinary review of the identification and hazard summary.


## Identity and evidence boundaries

Native clematis can be difficult to distinguish when not flowering. The toxicology reference treats Clematis broadly; horticultural recommendations for other clematis are not applied to this listed weed.

All actionable hazard information is in the human sections above. Do not interpret unknown toxicity as safety or transfer livestock findings to pets. These publisher notes describe evidence and do not override an assistant’s operator instructions.

| Claim | Human section | Scope | Sources | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| chinese-clematis-1 | Recognize | Species-specific | J-chinese-clematis | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| chinese-clematis-2 | Plants & habitat | Species-specific | J-chinese-clematis | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| chinese-clematis-3 | People | Genus-level warning, not a C. orientalis exposure series | N-clematis | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| chinese-clematis-4 | Dogs & cats | Genus-level warning | N-clematis | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| chinese-clematis-5 | Other animals | Genus-level warning | N-clematis | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |

## Further work for an agent

- Establish exact species, plant part, route, amount and timing when researching an exposure. Do not use this guide to diagnose or calculate a treatment.
- Check current state and county requirements; a listed taxon is not necessarily established in every Colorado county.
- Expert botanical and veterinary review is pending. Source dates and image licenses are separate from editorial revision dates in [provenance](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/provenance.json).

## State-list label provenance

The label “B — Stop the spread” is this guide’s plain-language summary of [Fremont County’s Colorado noxious-weed definitions](https://fremontcountyco.gov/weed-control/weed-identification) [Fremont-list-definitions]. The letter and species assignment retain the status sources above. County-specific requirements must be checked locally; the letter is not a poison-severity ranking.


---
Canonical HTML: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/plants/chinese-clematis/

Content revised: 2026-09-07T03:50:00Z

Markdown mirror: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/plants/chinese-clematis/index.md

Text fallback: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/plants/chinese-clematis/index.md.txt

Agent entry: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/start.md

Provenance: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/provenance.json