Blue Clematis

There seems to have been quite a lot of wild Blue Clematis (Clematis occidentalis, Clematis columbiana) this spring, twining up twigs and branches or growing closer to the ground in the forest and woodlands. Such a gorgeous blue. This flower was growing in the West Bragg Creek Environmental Studies area on 20th June.

This is a native, perennial, woody vine that climbs or creeps along the ground. There are no petals, but there are four blue/purple sepals to each solitary flower. Flowers May-July.

Just got home from a day of botanizing south of the city, near Black Diamond, at the Three Point Creek Natural Area. We even had Great Horned Owls flying nearby when we were there - gosh, there are owls everywhere, LOL! A fairly hot day - too hot for me, but at least there was no rain, so we were really lucky. On the way home, we called in at a Bakery and coffee shop in Black Diamond - the coffee tasted SO good! Ralph, if you happen to get on to Flickr and see this - thanks again so much for driving today - much appreciated!