Feathery beards
"Old man's BeardOld man’s beard or ‘traveller’s joy’ – Clematis vitalba This is a vigorous climber. The French name for old man’s beard is ‘herbe aux gueux’ – the beggar’s or rascal’s herb. This is a reference to its use by beggars; they used its acrid sap to irritate the skin to give it a sore and ulcerated look – in order to induce sympathy in, and perhaps a donation from, passers by!"
www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/woodland-flowers/white-flowers/o...
In the UK and many parts of Europe, it may be seen in a variety of habitats such the edges of woodlands, hedgerows, or within woods where a gap in the canopy has formed; though it does tend to like chalky soils. Whilst it is fairly common in the south of England, it is less common as one goes north.
Feathery beards
"Old man's BeardOld man’s beard or ‘traveller’s joy’ – Clematis vitalba This is a vigorous climber. The French name for old man’s beard is ‘herbe aux gueux’ – the beggar’s or rascal’s herb. This is a reference to its use by beggars; they used its acrid sap to irritate the skin to give it a sore and ulcerated look – in order to induce sympathy in, and perhaps a donation from, passers by!"
www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/woodland-flowers/white-flowers/o...
In the UK and many parts of Europe, it may be seen in a variety of habitats such the edges of woodlands, hedgerows, or within woods where a gap in the canopy has formed; though it does tend to like chalky soils. Whilst it is fairly common in the south of England, it is less common as one goes north.