Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: Clematis tangutica

Invasive Yellow Clematis

25 Jul 2018 313
Some of you will be familiar with this rather beautiful flower and its silvery seedheads. Unfortunately, despite its beauty, it is an invasive species and widespread. This is one of three species of Clematis that occur in the wild in Alberta, the other two being the native Western Clematis and the Purple Clematis/Blue Clematis. This yellow species was introduced from Japan as an ornamental garden plant, but has now spread to natural areas where it chokes out and kills native plants, shrubs and trees. This photo was taken at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, not far from downtown Calgary, yesterday afternoon, 24 July 2018. It is the richest botanical area, for its size, within the city. Over 385 species have been recorded in an area of about three hectares. (All of Fish Creek Provincial Park has only about 460 species). Eighty species, however, are aliens, now occupying 90+% of the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area. It is such a shame to see how the area is being devastated by plants that include Baby's Breath, Creeping Thistle, Yellow Clematis and other invasive species. The weather forecast for yesterday afternoon called for a risk of a thunderstorm. The sky was dark and gloomy, but we were very lucky that the rain stayed away. Our temperature at 9:00 this morning, 25 July 2018, is only 12C, which feels really good. This afternoon, it is supposed to get up to 23C.

Yellow Clematis / Clematis tangutica

16 Aug 2015 1 1 419
Some of you will be familiar with this rather beautiful flower and its silvery seedheads. Unfortunately, despite its beauty, it is an invasive species and widespread. This is one of three species of Clematis that occur in the wild in Alberta, the other two being the native Western Clematis and the Purple Clematis/Blue Clematis. This yellow species was introduced from Japan as an ornamental garden plant, but has now spread to natural areas where it chokes out and kills native plants, shrubs and trees. Taken on 7 August 2015. On 7 August 2015, four of us were extremely fortunate to have the chance to visit the home and highly varied topographic 62-acre property belonging to Frances and David Dover. We felt honoured and privileged to meet and spend time with Frances and David, and also their daughter Carolyn and her husband Clair. A delightful family who welcomed us so warmly into their home and land. This acreage of grassland, forest, rolling hills - and special gardens - is not far from Millarville, SW of Calgary. In fact, it's in an area that I often drive through when I only have time for, or only feel like doing, a short drive. Amazing what little gems exist out there. This is not just a beautiful property, but is very special for various reasons. For one thing, read any history of Alberta and you will find the Dover family, including David's mother, Mary Dover. Second, among the trees and open "lawns", there are Peony flower beds, containing 100-150 heritage Peonies, each one different, that have now multiplied to more than 300 plants. Unfortunately, they bloomed a couple of weeks early this year, and all the flowers had gone to seed. Another open area had a different kind of ground cover - Thyme, which smelled wonderful. If I remember correctly, this was the open space where the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra performed on one occasion! There are two large ponds on the property and another smaller area of water that they hope to turn into a Japanese Garden. There is a total of seven wetland basins, including these. It was while walking around the Japanese Garden that a large brown 'shape' could just be seen through the dense trees - a handsome Moose buck. I will look properly at the four or so photos I just managed to get and will slip one of them into my photostream sometime soon, just for the record, definitely not for the photo quality : ) This was also where a Great Horned Owl was seen flying through the trees by some of us (not me, ha!). There are grassy paths winding through the acreage, up and down hill, that take David seven hours to mow. They are not pristine, velvety paths, but instead, they seem to take nothing away from the wildness of the whole area. One of the animals that have passed through is the Cougar. In fact, several years ago, I saw a video taken on a nearby (or adjacent?) property, where a 'kill' and night-time camera had been set up and a total of six different Cougar individuals were seen! Even the Dover's home is unique and beautiful. It is completely built of concrete (and glass) - floors, walls, ceilings, roof, deck, and so on. A Hummingbird feeder and regular bird feeders, set up on the patio, attract a variety of birds. We sat on the patio after our walk to eat our packed lunches - and to enjoy a delicious Orange Pound Cake that Frances had made for us, along with refreshing Iced Tea - thank you so much for this, Frances! While I was waiting for one of three tiny Calliope (?) Hummingbirds to come back, I was lucky enough to see a little Mountain Chickadee, along with many Pine Siskins. We could also hear a Red-tailed Hawk in the area. Saw a total of 22 bird species. There is just so much I could write about this visit and family. Instead, or for now, I will add several links to more information on the Internet. This was a memorable day for us. Thank you so much, Frances and David, Carolyn and Clair, for being so kind and welcoming us into your home and gardens. books.google.ca/books?id=Tr36Tq_gadcC&pg=PA290&lp... www.westernwheel.com/article/20110727/WHE06/307279983/-1/... David's mother, Mary Dover (her father was A. E. Cross), was "a dynamic and distinguished Calgarian, particularly known for her work with the military during World War II." As well as being an army officer, and an alderman, she was also a preservationist. See the following link. www.albertachampions.org/champions-mary_dover.htm#.VcY1KP... ww2.glenbow.org/search/archivesMainResults.aspx?XC=/searc... glencoe.org/documents/10184/637479/The-History-of-Elbow-P... page 44-45

The beauty of an invasive weed

01 Jul 2014 1 304
Some of you will be familiar with this rather beautiful flower and its silvery seedheads. Unfortunately, despite its beauty, it is an invasive species and widespread. This is one of three species of Clematis that occur in the wild in Alberta, the other two being the native Western Clematis and the Purple Clematis/Blue Clematis. This yellow species was introduced from Japan as an ornamental garden plant, but has now spread to natural areas where it chokes out and kills native plants, shrubs and trees. This particular flower was photographed at the Reader Rock Garden on 25 June 2014 - always surprises me that they haven't pulled this plant, though it doesn't appear to have spread at this location. Today, 1 July 2014, is Canada Day. We live in such a great and free country, which is something to be remembered and thankful for, each and every day! A special wish and thank-you for all those Canadians who are serving our country, especially overseas! This is Canada's 147th birthday - we are so young! "Canada Day (French: Fête du Canada) is the national day of Canada, a federal statutory holiday celebrating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867, enactment of the British North America Act, 1867 (today called the Constitution Act, 1867), which united three colonies into a single country called Canada within the British Empire. Originally called Dominion Day (French: Le Jour de la Confédération), the holiday was renamed in 1982, the year the Canada Act was passed. Canada Day observances take place throughout Canada as well as among Canadians internationally." From Wikipedia.

Yellow Clematis

19 Jun 2008 187
This is one of three species of Clematis that occur in Alberta, the other two being the native Western Clematis and the Purple Clematis/Blue Clematis. This yellow species was introduced from Japan as an ornamental garden plant, but has now spread to natural areas where it chokes out and kills native plants, shrubs and trees.

Misleading beauty

05 May 2013 286
Some of you will be familiar with this rather beautiful flower and its silvery seedheads. Unfortunately, despite its beauty, it is an invasive species and widespread. This is one of three species of Clematis that occur in the wild in Alberta, the other two being the native Western Clematis and the Purple Clematis/Blue Clematis. This yellow species was introduced from Japan as an ornamental garden plant, but has now spread to natural areas where it chokes out and kills native plants, shrubs and trees. Taken at Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area on 27 July 2011. The Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area is located on the east side of the Elbow River above the southwest community of Roxborough. It was completed in 1996. This is one of the richest areas in Calgary for wildlowers, but unfortunately, many non-native plants and shrubs have taken over much of the area - such as Caragana, Goat's-beard, Baby's Breath and Yellow Clematis.

Watch out for its stranglehold

23 Apr 2013 323
Some of you will be familiar with this rather beautiful flower and its silvery seedheads in the background. Unfortunately, despite its beauty, it is an invasive species and widespread. This is one of three species of Clematis that occur in Alberta, the other two being the native Western Clematis and the Purple Clematis/Blue Clematis. This yellow species was introduced from Japan as an ornamental garden plant, but has now spread to natural areas where it chokes out and kills native plants, shrubs and trees. Taken at Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area on 27 July 2011. The Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area is located on the east side of the Elbow River above the southwest community of Roxboro. It was completed in 1996. This is one of the richest areas in Calgary for wildlowers, but unfortunately, many non-native plants and shrubs have taken over much of the area - such as Caragana, Goat's-beard, Baby's Breath and Yellow Clematis.

Snow-covered tresses

20 Nov 2011 253
This is the beautiful seedhead of Yellow Clematis - unfortunately, this vine is an introduced, invasive and highly destructive weed, capable of strangling and killing large Spruce trees. Photographed on November 15th, during a walk from Bebo Grove to Shannon Terrace, Fish Creek Park. Please do not purchase the plant or seeds of Yellow Clematis - having this plant in your garden only makes the invasive situation worse than ever.

Yellow Clematis / Clematis tangutica

09 Sep 2011 204
This beautiful, vibrant yellow flower gives a false impression of this plant. Despite its beauty, it is one of the worst invasive weeds, wrapping itself around other plants and even Spruce trees, killing everything in its path. The silver hairs of the seedheads are so beautiful, too. It has taken over huge areas of our natural parks in the city, including the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, where this photo was taken.

Silver threads

22 Sep 2010 153
I think this has to be just the usual non-native, invasive Yellow Clematis that we get here. I don't remember ever noticing that its leaves turn red in the fall. Unless this plant had wound itself around a different plant with red, autumn leaves? Anyway, the low bush was such a gorgeous colour and looked beautiful with the tumble of silver hairs of the seedheads. Seen on yesterday's walk at Mallard Point, on the east side of the Bow River. Here comes the sun, FINALLY, after an overcast, cold, wet "summer - yay!!!!!! Enjoy it, everyone. I have a volunteer shift to go to, so will be indoors : (

Two-faced

05 Nov 2009 161
I say "two-faced" as this silvery-haired seedhead is both beautiful and devastating. It belongs to Yellow Clematis (Clematis tangutica), which was introduced from Japan as an ornamental plant. "Many nurseries warn that it is an aggressive plant once established. Both urban and natural area infestations are becoming more common around Calgary and westward out to the mountain Parks." From the Alberta Invasive Plants Council. This vine will even climb and strangle a large Spruce tree!

Damage done

05 Sep 2009 193
This Yellow Clematis is one of the worst invasive plants here in Alberta and it has done tremendous damage to the natural areas and parks in the city. An introduced plant from Japan, this semi-woody vine grows May-September. It has a wonderfully bright, attractive flower and gorgeous, silvery-haired seedheads, but it prevents native plants from growing and even strangles and kills huge trees. PLEASE don't plant this in your garden!

Yellow Clematis

19 Dec 2007 118
This plant was introduced from Japan as an ornamental plant. It climbs around nearby vegetation and does a lot of damage, including strangling and killing trees.

Tangled web of golden threads

18 Nov 2007 152
Not much to photograph this morning, so thought I'd zoom in on this Yellow Clematis seedhead! Attractive though this plant is, it is doing damage to trees by "strangling" them. This plant was introduced from Japan as an ornamental plant.

Yellow Clematis

24 Aug 2007 117
This Yellow Clematis flower is on the way to transforming itself from a vibrant yellow, elegant flower into a seedhead of gorgeous long, silver hairs. Attractive though this plant is, it has taken over large patches of ground at Confluence Park. It is a very destructive plant, originally introduced from Japan as an ornamental plant.

Blowing in the wind

25 Jun 2007 139
This plant was introduced from Japan. It climbs around nearby vegetation and does a lot of damage, including strangling and killing trees.