Traveller's joy, Old man's beard
Clematis vitalba
Family: Ranunculaceae
What it is like
A woody climber. It is like fragrant clematis (Clematis flammula) but more robust. It grows to 30 m long. The leaves are once divided. The leaflets often have teeth. The flowers are greenish-white. The petals are hairy on both surfaces. The fruit are dry and one seeded. They are covered by poufs of white hairs.
There are about 250 Clematis species. It can be invasive.
Where it is found
It grows in mild temperate climates. It grows in woodland and old hedges. It does best on alkaline or chalky soils in an open sunny position. It is resistant to drought but sensitive to frost. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Africa, Andorra, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Caucasus, Croatia, Europe (country/location of origin), Georgia, Indochina, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Laos, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Middle East, New Zealand, North Africa (country/location of origin), SE Asia, Sicily, Spain, Tasmania, USA, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The leaves are boiled then used in stews. They are used as a spice. The young sprouts are eaten. The young shoots are pickled and used in omelettes. CAUTION: Most Clematis contain an irritant poison.
Edible parts
Leaves, young buds, caution
How it is grown
It can be grown by cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Clematide vitalba, Focomorto, Grambulin', Ingrikhe, Liara, Mutarva, Tsitsibardi, Vezzadro, Vitacchia, Vurgazas buenas, Vitalba, Vitecchje, Vutacchje