WildBristol.uk - Discovering Wildlife in Bristol

Widespread but local throughout the UK. It can be very frequent where it does occur. Particularly South of the Humber. Less so elsewhere. Habitat includes: hedgerows, woodland, scrub, copses, railway sides, wasteland, parks, cemeteries. Often seen climbing fences on the edge of cycle paths. Other names include: Old Man's Beard, Wild Clematis. Our only Native Clematis. Flowers July to September. Growing habit: Deciduous Perennial Climber. A stout, clambering, woody climber that can reach up to 30 metres. Leaves pinnate with toothed leaflets. Flowers greenish white 18 - 20 mm, fragrant, in large panicles, terminal or lateral. Fruits forming large, silvery grey silky masses that persist well into the winter.