Old Man's Beard
Clematis vitalba
Clematis vitalba is a deciduous, woody climber that can reach lengths of up to 30 meters. It is characterized by opposite, pinnate leaves and numerous creamy-white flowers. The feathery, hairy seed heads are particularly striking and remain on the plant throughout the winter. It prefers nutrient-rich, calcareous soils in sunny to semi-shaded locations.
Details
Habitat function
Provides nesting sites and hiding places for birds and small mammals; serves as a climbing aid for insects.
Nutrient uptake
High capacity for nitrate uptake from the soil.
Food source for
Bees, hoverflies, and beetles (pollen); leaves for specialized butterfly caterpillars.
Human use
Formerly used for basketry and as a rope substitute; branches were smoked as 'child's tobacco' (toxic!). Today used as an ornamental plant.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important liana in European forests; provides vertical structures for animals and serves as a pollen source.
Natural predators
Caterpillars of various moth species such as the Small Ticked Moth (Horisme vitalbata).
Competitor species
Other climbing plants such as ivy (Hedera helix) or hops (Humulus lupulus).
Ecosystem service
Soil stabilization on embankments, erosion control, habitat for insects and birds.
Threats
Forestry removal to prevent light competition for commercial timber.
Scientific profile
Profile
Protection & threats
Main threats
No immediate threat; locally through intensive forestry or clearing of forest mantle communities.