Single Species Wildflower

Old Man’s Beard or Traveller’s Joy is a rampant climber with rope like stems that form dense curtains of vegetation. It seeds vigorously and is more suited to extensive wild situations rather than a formal garden. The insignificant pale greenish flowers, slightly almond scented, are visited by insects and bees, and develop into the characteristic fluffy silver seed heads.  Flowers on current seasons growth, so can be hard pruned in the spring. Various medicinal uses, but with care, since parts are poisonous. Not eaten by rabbits. The Old Man’s Beard name refers to the whispy seed heads that develop after flowering and can hang on the plant through the winter