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Clematis vitalba - L.

Common Name Traveller's Joy, Evergreen clematis
Family Ranunculaceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards All parts of the plant are poisonous[7], the toxic principle is dissipated by heat or by drying[65].
Habitats Hedgerows and wood margins, usually on calcareous soils[7, 17].
Range Europe, including Britain, from the Netherlands south and east to N. Africa and the Caucasus.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Clematis vitalba Traveller


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Clematis vitalba Traveller
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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of climber
Clematis vitalba is a deciduous Climber growing to 15 m (49ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from October to January. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedgerow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves  Shoots
Edible Uses:

Young shoots - cooked and used like hop shoots (Humulus lupulus)[7, 46, 61]. Caution is advised due to reports of toxicity[7].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Analgesic  Bach  Diuretic  Homeopathy  Rubefacient  Skin

The leaves are analgesic, diuretic and rubefacient[7, 61]. The boiled roots and stems are used as a cure for the itch[4]. When applied in the nostrils, the plant juice has been used to relieve migraine attacks, but it can also destroy the mucous membranes[7]. The plant should not be taken internally because it is poisonous[7]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism and skin eruptions[238]. The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Indifference', 'Dreaminess', 'Inattention' and 'Unconsciousness'[209]. It is also one of the five ingredients in the 'Rescue remedy'[209].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Basketry

The stems are used in basketry[100, 115].

Special Uses

Food Forest  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade[11, 200]. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage[11, 200]. Dislikes light sandy soils[11]. Does well on chalk[1]. Dislikes acid soils below a pH of 6.0[186]. Succeeds in acid as well as alkaline soils[200]. Plants are hardy to about -18°c[202]. A twining plant[182]. The leafstalks wrap themselves around twigs and branches for support. When a side of the stalk touches an object, the growth on that side slows down whilst the other side grows at its normal rate - this causes the leaf stalk to entwine the object it is touching[186, 212]. It is capable of growing 2 metres in a year and can easily smother small trees and shrubs[186]. Another report says that it can grow 5 metres in a year[202]. When planting out, in order to avoid the disease 'clematis wilt', it is best to plant the rootball about 8cm deeper in the soil. This will also serve to build up a good root crown of growth buds[200]. The flowers are almond-scented[202]. They are produced on the current season's growth[219]. The plant is very amenable to pruning and can be cut back severely if required. This is best done in early spring[202]. A greedy plant, inhibiting growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[88, 200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[164, 200]. Sow stored seed as soon as it is obtained in a cold frame. Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and remove as much of the tail and outer coat as possible[164]. A period of cold stratification is beneficial[164]. The seed germinates in 1 - 9 months or more at 20°c[164]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, taken between nodes, July/August in a frame[1]. Internodal cuttings of soft to semi-ripe wood, late spring in sandy soil in a frame. Layering of old stems in late winter or early spring[200]. Layering of current seasons growth in early summer[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Traveller's joy, Old man's beard, Clematide vitalba, Vezzadro, Vitalba,

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Afghanistan, Africa, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Croatia, Europe, Indochina, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Laos, Macedonia, Mediterranean, New Zealand, North Africa, SE Asia, Sicily, Tasmania, USA, Vietnam.

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

This plant can be weedy or invasive. Clematis vitalba is an invasive plant in most places, including many in which it is native. Plant with care.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Clematis alternata Climber4.0 -  LMHSNM01 
Clematis apiifolia Climber5.0 6-9 FLMHSNM12 
Clematis barbellata Climber4.0 -  LMHSNM02 
Clematis brachyura Climber1.0 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Clematis buchananiana Climber6.0 6-9 FLMHSNM12 
Clematis chinensisWei Ling XianClimber5.0 5-9  LMHSNM12 
Clematis columbianaRock ClematisClimber3.0 4-8  LMHSNM011
Clematis connata Climber7.0 5-9 FLMHSNM01 
Clematis douglasiiHairy ClematisPerennial0.6 5-9  LMHSNM011
Clematis flammulaFragrant Virgin's Bower, Fragrant clematisClimber4.0 5-9 FLMHSNM103
Clematis ianthina Climber4.0 4-8  LMHSNM10 
Clematis ligusticifoliaWhite Clematis, Western white clematis, California clematis,Climber5.0 4-8  LMHSNM021
Clematis mandschurica Perennial1.2 6-9  LMHSNM02 
Clematis microphyllaHeadachevineClimber3.0 8-11  LMHSNM01 
Clematis orientalisOriental virginsbowerClimber4.0 5-9  LMHSNM011
Clematis patens Climber4.0 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Clematis pierotii Climber3.0 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Clematis rectaGround virginsbowerPerennial Climber1.5 3-7  LMHNM11 
Clematis serratifolia Climber3.0 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Clematis ternifloraSennin-So, Sweet autumn virginsbower, Sweet Autumn Clematis, Fall ClematisPerennial Climber5.0 5-9 FLMHSNM111
Clematis tibetana Climber4.0 5-9  LMHSNM02 
Clematis trichotoma Climber5.0 -  LMHSNM10 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

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Botanical References

1117200

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