Old man’s beard is a vigorous growing vine which forms a tangled smothering mass over trees and shrubs blocking out light and eventually killing supporting plants.
Botanical name:
Clematis vitalba
Background
Old man’s beard is a vigorous growing vine which forms a tangled smothering mass over trees and shrubs, blocking out light and eventually killing supporting plants.
One plant is capable of blanketing an area of 180 m2. It seeds profusely and the seed can remain viable in the soil for several years. Stems can provide up to 10 m of growth in a season.
Introduced from Europe as a decorative plant, old man’s beard has developed into a major weed problem particularly in the central regions of New Zealand.
Old man’s beard identification
Deciduous vine - sheds leaves in winter
Leaves
Vary from 50 mm to 150 mm in length.
- Variable shapes: serrated, oval, heart-shaped or lance-shaped.
- Stems opposite each other on vine.
- 5 leaflets per stem.
- Other clematis species generally have three leaflets.
Flowers
White/greenish to yellow/white in colour.
- Approximately 2 cm diameter.
- Generally in clusters.
- December through to April.
Seeds
Sets seed around April.
- Dispersed during autumn/winter period.
- Have long plume-like tails which aid dispersal by wind or water.
Vines
Vines may grow to 15 cm in diameter or larger.
- Young vines are ribbed and often purple in colour.
- Older vines are woody, often grey/brown in colour.
- Older vines flake when bent.
Control
What we can do to help protect Canterbury
Vines climbing shrubs, trees and hedges:
- Search - and trace all vines back to ground level
- Clear - a small area around the base of the vines
- Cut - all vines as close to the ground as possible
- Treat - freshly cut stumps with an undiluted herbicide such as:
- Glyphosate (Roundup, Network Glyphosate 360 etc)
- Woody Weed Killer
- Vigilant
- Banvine
A small paint brush is a useful tool for painting stumps.When used incorrectly herbicides can be harmful. Follow the instructions on the container label.
- Finally - ensure that the hanging vines are clear of the ground so that they cannot take root. They may be left in the tree to break down.
Vines scrambling over the ground and large areas of old man’s beard:
Seek advice from a Biosecurity Officer at Christchurch, Timaru, Kaikoura, Cheviot, Amberley, Darfield or Little River.
Non-chemical control:
Will only succeed if all roots are dug out. When vines touch the ground they usually develop extra roots and all of these must be removed for control to be successful. Note: Just cutting the vines will result in rapid regrowth.
Check the site each spring for regrowth and new seedlings.