All three species of Clematis are woody perennial twining vines on slopes in chaparral, in foothills and Santa Ana Mountains. They generally have compound leaves with sheaths as the leaf bases, and flowers with many stamens and many pistils. Flowers are generally unisexual, occasionally dioecious (male and female sex organs on different plants).  All contain alkaloids that make them unpalatable (Clarke). There are 4 petal-like white or cream sepals ("bracts"; Clarke), and no petals.  Fruits are achenes (single seeded fruit produced by a single carpel) with a long feathery style.