Old Man's Beard
Clematis vitalba

This Class C noxious weed is common in western Washington; control in King County is not required, but strongly recommended.

Description

Also called traveler's joy, this import from Europe and south western Asia is an aggressively spreading woody vine, found along streams, fencelines, forest edges and hillsides. Old man's beard vines can grow up to 100 feet long and can completely blanket trees and other plants. Creamy white flowers in summer are followed by feathery seed heads in late summer and early fall, giving this vine its common name "old man's beard. These fluffy seed heads are persistent and quite conspicuous in the winter.

Impact and Spread

Similar to other invasive vines, old man's beard prevents trees and bushes from getting sunlight and add considerable weight to trees, eventually weakening and even killing the supporting trees and bushes. After the tree dies, old man's beard continues to grow, creating dense thickets of growth. Young plants can grow 6 feet a year and once established, vines can completely cover existing vegetation. The airborne seeds allow this vine to spread quickly to new locations. Also, damaged or cut stems can re-sprout so plants can spread vegetatively as well.

Control

Control of old man's beard can be achieved through a variety of methods and the best success is achieved by a combination of manual, mechanical and chemical methods. Climbing vines can be cut at waist height, allowing the upper vines to die back. Lower vines and growth along the ground can be dug up anytime or treated with an herbicide when the plant is actively growing. Applying herbicide to freshly cut vines is also effective. Make sure to carefully follow the label directions of the product being applied, wear the recommended personal protection equipment, and avoid drift and off-target application to surrounding vegetation.

Additional Information

For more information about old man's beard, please see the WA State Noxious Weed Control Board website.