Wild clematis fluffs up hedges

Also called traveller’s joy, wild clematis is a climbing plant that clings and grows into bushes, hedges and trees. Found across the UK, except northern Scotland, it is most visible in winter. The plant can grow more than three metres tall and at this time of year, its seed heads look like wispy hair. They are whitish-grey so they are often referred to as “old man’s beard”. In the past, people in the countryside would often gather wild clematis to decorate their homes at Christmas. Because of the fluffy, white seed heads, the plant is also sometimes called Father Christmas. The plant is a food for several moth species; the flowers support lots of insects; and the seeds are food for birds such as goldfinches and greenfinches.…

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The Week Junior (UK) (Digital) - 1 Issue, 469

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