Clematis vitalba - Old Man's Beard

Clematis vitalba is also known as the Hedge Clematis, White Vine Clematis, or Beggar's Herb. This common botanical species, long known for its medicinal properties, is a massive, woody, climbing plant, which can reach 25m (82ft) long over time. It spreads its long leafy branches on trees and along hedges, covering itself in countless small, greenish-white flowers with a ruffled centre which are particularly fragrant in the evening. Its round and silky fruits remain on the plant for a long time like small, silvery flakes on its bare branches in the heart of winter. This vigorous clematis may sometimes make its way into your garden and will fit well in a garden that embraces nature and protects biodiversity.

The Clematis genus belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. The botanical species vitalba, also known as the wood clematis, is native to France. It is a perennial climbing vine that turns woody over time. It is very vigorous and floriferous, grows quickly and lives for many years to reach an impressive size. It is classified in the group of clematis that flower until autumn on the current year's growth. The main stem can measure up to 10cm (4in) in diameter on an old plant, while the sturdy secondary branches become as thick as a finger. Flowering begins in July and continues until September. The very fragrant and nectar-rich inflorescences are pale panicles of 4-petaled flowers, arranged around a centre of prominent and ruffled stamens, measuring 1 to 2cm (0 to 1in) in diameter. The flowers are followed by characteristic, feathery, silvery, and silky, very decorative seed heads. The deciduous foliage is opposite leaves, composed of 3 to 9 ovate and pointed leaflets. The twirling, evergreen petioles wrap around support, allowing the vegetation to anchor firmly, even when dry. The stems turn woody over time and their initially smooth bark takes on a yellowish-grey hue and peels off in thin strips.

Clematis vitalba is so vigorous that it competes with climbing vines to cover unsightly buildings, dead trees, or unsightly fences. Plant your clematis on either side of the support to be covered. Its pretty seed heads will blend well with the purplish foliage of dyer's vine, and its flowering will take over from fragrant clusters of climbing roses. This clematis, which will bloom in semi-shade, will smother weeds plants on the edge of undergrowth or near abandoned walls. It needs space but very little maintenance and it is easy to grow in the sun, in fertile and well-drained soil. It is a good plant for gardens and natural undergrowth, as it nourishes and protects numerous insects and animals, creating a habitat rich in biodiversity.

The plant was formerly used in natural, topical medicine. Its sap has analgesic and circulatory properties, but its toxicity should not be overlooked; the fresh sap can blister the skin, a trait that beggars used in ancient times, hence the nickname beggars' herb.