Traveller's-joy

Scientific Name: 
Clematis vitalba

Traveller's-joy is a climbing plant that scrabbles over bushes along hedgerows, woodland edges and scrubby grassland on limestone soils. This wild clematis produces a mass of scented flowers in late summer and is pollinated by bees and hoverflies. The seeds are also eaten by many birds such as Goldfinches and Greenfinches.

How to identify: 
Traveller's-joy can be recognised by its climbing nature and its clematis-like leaves. It has clusters of creamy flowers in July and August and feathery, wispy seedheads throughout the autumn and winter.
Where to find it: 
Common in southern and eastern England and parts of Wales.
How people can help: 

The loss of many of our hedgerows in the countryside mean that ornamental shrubs and hedges in our gardens provide vital food and shelter for a range of wildlife including butterflies, birds and small mammals. To encourage wildlife into your garden, try planting hedges of native species, including climbers like Traveller's-joy. To find out more about wildlife-friendly gardening, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there's plenty of facts and tips to get you started.

Statistics: 
Height: can climb up to 3m and more
Conservation status: 
Common.
Did you know?: 
Traveller's-joy is also known as 'Old Man's Beard' and even 'Father Christmas' after the fluffy seedheads that can be found in the autumn and early winter.
Seasons: 
Summer
Autumn
Winter
When to see
Start date: 
July
End date: 
December
Image: 
Traveller's-joy - Hermann Falkner