OLD MAN'S BEARD
Clematis Vitalba
This has been eradicated from the peninsula. In the unlikely event that
you find any, please contact Glenn Knight on 235 1501 or by
email.
IDENTIFICATION
Also known as traveller's joy. Deciduous, climbing shrub with woody
stems, climbing to canopy height. Leaves 50-150 mm long, 5 leaflets
(1 or 3 leaflets in seedlings), arranged either side of an axis.
Flowers four petalled, dull white, borne in panicles, 50 mm to 120 mm
long. Seed vessels form grey tufted balls conspicuous in autumn, winter
and early spring. Often confused with the native species which has only
3 leaflets.
HABITATS
Shrub, wasteland, among willows, forest remnants, hedgerows, canopy
light gaps, roadsides, gardens.
IMPACT
At risk are secondary growth or disturbed native forest. Old man's
beard climbs high into the canopy smothering and eventually blocking
sunlight and killing the host tree.
DISPERSAL
Seed, wind and water dispersed. Vegetative growth. Can sprout from
stem pieces. Spreads from gardens.
MANAGEMENT
Control
-
Cut vines at waist height and at ground level. (These two cuts
are necessary. If cut only at waist height the plant will shoot
from below; if cut only at ground level the aerial stem will
re-root). All cutaway stem segments must be burnt or buried to
prevent regrowth. Leave aerial vine in the tree to dry out
(this will prevent host tree damage).
-
Paint both stumps with stump paint herbicide mix. Take care not
to damage support plant and surrounding vegetation.
-
Dig out all seedlings.
-
Repeat steps above each year until regrowth checked. New
seedlings will be growing each year, so perseverance is
necessary.
-
Replant area cleared. This step is important. The cleared area
will be susceptible to invasion by other weeds.
Chemical Control
-
Versatill at 50 ml in 10 litres of water.
-
Escort at 5 grams in 10 litres of water.
Recommended Approach
Cut and paint every plant found. Immediate action is important.
The differences between old man's beard and native clematis:
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Old Man's Beard
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Native Clematis
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Deciduous
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Evergreen
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Generally 5 leaflets
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Usually 3 leaflets, occasionally 6 or 9
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Flowers December to March-April (summer to autumn)
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Flowers September to November (spring to early summer)
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Seeding March to September
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Seeding October to January
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Young vine, 6 Longitudinal ribs.
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Young vine, Smooth or with many fine ribs
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Older vine, pale brown stringy longitudinal furrows
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Older vine, smooth or with slightly rough dark brown bark.
Not deeply furrowed or stringy.
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This plant is prohibited from propagation, sale and distribution!
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