Clematis vitalba

Old Man’s Beard, Traveller’s Joy

Clematis vitalba is a climbing shrub that can grow up to 10 meters high with a suitable support.

For its climbing supports, such as trees, shrubs, fences, or houses, this plant, which belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), can be harmful or even deadly.

From my own experience, I can report that I had clematis in my garden and that it is one of the very fast-growing species. Its shoots can also overgrow large trees.

All parts of the plant are poisonous, and contact with the plant sap can cause skin irritation.

Family: Ranunculaceae
Origin: North Africa, Western Asia, Europe
More infos: USDA zone 5.