Jeanr, if you have seeds you will see them. They are very definite in shape and appearance. If all you have is fuzzy fluffy stuff, then the seeds were not fertilized and you don't have any viable seeds. As to the number of varieties of clematis, I assume you mean the number of various cultivars. I don't think there is a finite number since new ones are being introduced into the trade all the time. Just say there are more cultivars than any one person would ever be able to purchase.

Jean below are a few picture I posted previously about what clematis seed look like. I have others that I have somewhere that I will post when and if I find them. If not, I have loads of seed forming now that I can take pictures of and post later.

Here is a link that might be useful: Seeds

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Thank you both for the replies. What my plant has is more like what's in the second photo except those silky things that stick out are preciously shaped in a tight, pinwheel pattern...very interesting and they feel wonderful to the touch.

I just picked another one off this morning to compare it to the photos here and I can now see the faint beginnings of the triangle parts like in the last photos. I'm assuming those are the actually seeds? If I want to gather some seeds should I assume I need leave these pods on the plant until the centers dry up more? They are green colored now.

Yep, the swollen parts are the seeds. The tails are there and are more pronounced in some species. They will fluff out like a dandelion and allow the seed to be carried by the wind. Generally speaking, I would wait at least until the seeds begin loosing their green color and begin turning an off yellow color. Some people wait until the seeds have turned a more tan or even brown color. The only problem with waiting too long is that if you have a freak wind/rain storm, the really brown seed heads can crack, fall apart, and the seeds get dispersed before you can collect them.

Thank you!

I ran out and took just now. Perhaps some of them are clearer. I am still learning how to use the macro feature on my new camera.

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Just remember that different clematis have different sized seeds. I had a shot of various types of dried seeds showing size variation but can't seem to find it right now. They were laid out with a ruler in the picture for size comparison. If I ever run across it on one of my CDs, I will post it.

Great pics, ncville. Very clear. Brandy