Common Name: Traveller's Joy

General Information

Clematis vitalba is a very vigorous, rampant, deciduous climbing plant often growing around 10 - 15 metres tall though it can reach 30 metres. The wody stems are very slender when young, though can be 10cm or more in diameter in old plants. The plant scrambles over the ground, climbing into the surrounding vegetation where it attaches itself by means of twining leafstalks[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations.

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are poisonous[], the toxic principle is dissipated by heat or by drying[].

Botanical References

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Range

Eurasia - western Europe (Portugal to Britain and Germany) east through Turkey and the Caucasus to Iran & Afghanistan; N. Africa - Morocco, Algeria

Habitat

Deciduous and mixed woodlands, woodland margins, hedgerows, bushy places, river banks, railway and road embankments, old walls and buildings, usually on calcareous soils[, , ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Climber
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees, Flies
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are hardy to about -18°c[].
Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade[, ]. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage[, ]. Dislikes light sandy soils[]. Does well on chalk[]. Dislikes acid soils below a pH of 6.0[]. Succeeds in acid as well as alkaline soils[].
A twining plant[]. 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[, ]. It is capable of growing 2 metres in a year and can easily smother small trees and shrubs[]. Another report says that it can grow 5 metres in a year[].
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[].
The flowers are almond-scented[]. They are produced on the current season's growth[]. The plant is very amenable to pruning and can be cut back severely if required. This is best done in early spring[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[, ].

Edible Uses

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

Medicinal

The plant should be treated with caution and not be taken internally without skilled guidance because it is poisonous[].

The leaves are analgesic, diuretic and rubefacient[, ].

The boiled roots and stems are used as a cure for the itch[].

When applied in the nostrils, the plant juice has been used to relieve migraine attacks, but it can also destroy the mucous membranes[].

A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism and skin eruptions[].

The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Indifference', 'Dreaminess', 'Inattention' and 'Unconsciousness'[]. It is also one of the five ingredients in the 'Rescue remedy'[].

Other Uses

The stems are used in basketry[, ].

An extract of the flowers, leaves and stems is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[, ]. 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[]. A period of cold stratification is beneficial[]. The seed germinates in 1 - 9 months or more at 20°c[]. 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, mid summer in a frame[].
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[].
Layering of current seasons growth in early summer[].