Old man's beard - Clematis vitalba (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Old man's beard

Old man's beard (Clematis vitalba) is a deciduous climbing shrub that will grow to 12 m tall. It blooms with fluffy flowers and fruits that have long silky strands that look like the wispy beard of an old man. This plant is a food source for a variety of moths. Often seen scrambling over hedgerows, it is considered a noxious weed, especially in New Zealand. Evidence suggests ancient Europeans made rope and baskets with old man's beard.

Scientific classification

Species

Old man's beard (Clematis vitalba)

Buttercups, poppies and allies

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Vine

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

2.5 m

Plant Height

1.8 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2 cm

Flower Size

White, Silver

Fruit Color

White, Yellow, Green, Cream

Flower Color

Green, Gray, Silver, White

Stem Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Old man's beard

Distribution of Old man's beard

Distribution Map

Clematis vitalba, known as 'old man's beard', is native to various parts of Europe and Western Asia. It thrives in temperate zones and is extensively cultivated, creating ornamental displays with its vigorous growth. While 'old man's beard' is cherished for its aesthetic value, in certain areas outside its native range, such as major regions of Oceania and Eastern Europe, it has established a presence and is sometimes thought to be a bit excessive, potentially impacting ecosystems. Despite this, its status as a cultivated plant remains predominant in gardens and landscapes.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Hedgerows and wood margins.

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Old man's beard has fragrant, unusually shaped flowers that produce feathery seed heads. These summer and autumn blooms enrich the hedgerows and wildlife gardens that this plant is cultivated in. The range of wildlife that this climber attracts, and its ability to grow in a range of soils, makes it a key addition to those gardens.

Symbolism

Artifice, ingenuity and mental beauty

Interesting Facts

This aggressive and invasive woody vine attracts various types of moths. Some of the moth species that feed on Clematis vitalba are the pretty chalk carpet moth (Melanthia procellata), the small waved umber (Horisme vitalbata), and the small emerald (Hemistola chrysoprasaria).

Name Story

Graybeard||Old man's beard: When the fruit of Clematis vitalba matures, it forms the seedheads with long, feather-like hairs, giving the plant the distinctive look of an old man's beard, so it's quite clear why this climbing shrub got the common name old man's beard.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Old man's beard, including the following common varieties :

Clematis 'Praecox'

Toxicity

Old man's beard poses a moderate toxicity risk to humans, dogs, and cats. Symptoms include skin irritation upon contact and severe gastrointestinal distress if ingested. The toxic substance protoanemonin causes these symptoms. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if pets exhibit poisoning signs. Avoid contact or ingestion of any plant part to mitigate the poisoning risk.

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Care Guide for Old man's beard

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Old man's beard thrives in moderate climates, preferring consistent moisture without waterlogging. Though drought-resistant for short periods, ideal watering is weekly. As a vigorous climbing plant, it requires attentive irrigation management during the growing season to support its lush foliage and robust flowering.

Fertilize: Old man's beard thrives on balanced nutrition, requiring a general-purpose fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring for growth. Monthly applications during the growing season support blooms, while over-fertilization should be avoided. Adjust feeding in fall, incorporate into soil carefully, and water thoroughly after application.

Pruning: Old man's beard thrives with annual pruning in early spring to remove dead stems and promote new growth, ideally cutting back healthy shoots to 12 to 18 inches above ground. This practice enhances aesthetic appeal, improves air circulation, and reduces disease risk. Use clean, sharp tools for optimal results.

Propagation: Old man's beard is a vigorous climbing perennial that thrives in gardens. To propagate, sow mature seeds in autumn in a cold frame. They require well-draining soil and consistent moisture. Once seedlings develop true leaves, pot them individually and grow in a greenhouse before acclimatizing outdoors in spring.

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Images of Old man's beard

Distribution of Old man's beard

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Care Guide for Old man's beard

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Common Pests & Diseases