The Clematis Genus consists of approximately 200 species, it is spread in a cosmopolitan manner, and its species include herbaceous perennials and climbers. This genus is characterised by odd-pinnate opposite leaves and quaternate flowers. Clematis is a widespread liane in Hungary, which climbs with its leaf-stalks on fences and lattices up to a height of 5 metres. It harms shrubs and low trees with its weight and the shade it casts, when it climbs on them. It is undemanding and tolerates even polluted, urban air. Leaflets are heart-shaped or ovate, their edges are unbroken or roughly serrated. Its simple, fragrant, white flowers blossom in cymes in the axils, fruits belong to the achene group. The long, pilose, permanent styles of clematis help in spreading seeds. Alpine clematis (C. alpina (L.) Mill.), which occurs sporadically in the Carpathian Mountains, has recumbent or climbing stems, and brings forth single flowers, and blue bell clematis (C. integrifolia L.), which decorates fresh meadows in Southern Hungary, has upright shoots, nodding flowers, and dark purple-blue sepals, are relatives of clematis. Ground clematis (C. recta), growing frequently in the thickets and by the woods of Southern and Central Europe, brings forth its fragrant flowers (standing in clusters on the tips of its shoots) in the middle of summer. Clematis montana, originating from Asia, is frequently planted in gardens, and vivid coloured, varied, though somewhat delicate clematis hybrids are also widespread. József Csapó wrote the following about clematis in his work “Új füves és virágos magyar kert” (“New Hungarian Herb and Flower Garden” – 1775): “Grows between hedges and public gardens, climbing onto trees: its flowers are rose shaped, pleasing white, and they have a pleasant scent; its pubescent grey fruits may be seen in the autumn. Its stem is as hard as a tree’s trunk, and sometimes two-three inches thick… It is not advised to use it for internal uses, as it is hard to stop eating it…”

Clematis is used in homeopathy in a very diluted form, as well as in Bach Flower Therapy.

As an ingredient in cosmetic products, clematis has skin softening, cleansing, and anti-inflammatory effects, thanks to its active ingredients.

- Protoanemonin
- Triterpene saponins
- Caffeic acid