Despite its rarity and endangered species status, the plant's population is generally stable, with only minor threats, such as herbivory and road maintenance.

[2] Clematis viticaulis is a woody vine, producing erect, hairy stems up to 0.5 metres (1.6 ft) long.

The thin, leathery oval leaves are up to 8 centimeters long by 4.5 wide and are oppositely arranged on the stems.

There are no petals, just hairy purple or blue-[2] or green-tinged sepals which are lance-shaped and up to 2.5 centimeters long.

[4] These seedheads replace the faded flowers and remain throughout July, when the plants may go semi-dormant.