It is native to North America where it is widespread across the western United States in streamside thickets, wooded hillsides, and coniferous forests up to 8,500 feet (2,600 m).

[2] It was called "pepper vine" by early travelers and pioneers of the American Old West.

Like the rest of the genus Clematis, it contains essential oils and compounds which are extremely irritating to the skin and mucous membranes.

[4] Native Americans used very small amounts of clematis for migraine headaches and nervous disorders.

[medical citation needed] It is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants.