The Weed Wire: Old Man’s Beard
History and Native Range: Clematis vitalba is a broad-leaved, deciduous, woody climbing vine that can live up to 40 years. Older plants can grow up to 30 feet per year. The plant is native to Europe and was introduced in North America as a garden ornamental. The plant is capable of growing on hedgerows, fence lines, dunes, riverbanks, and grassland. It can also grow on road sides, and the seeds can be spread via vehicles. Old man’s beard produces up to 100,000 seeds per year, and they can remain viable for up to five years in the soil.
Identification: The leaves have a central stem with five to seven leaflets that can be oval shaped or deeply toothed. Mature vines have a stringy, pale-brown bark while younger stems are tough and grooved. The plant flowers in the summer, which are creamy white and sweet smelling. The flowers have four white sepals that look like petals. These flowers will mature into small and hairy seeds with a white, silky tail. The seeds remain on the vine throughout the fall and will disperse in winter. Note: A similar-looking native species, Clematis ligusticifolia, also occurs in Oregon but is absent from the coast. Those who live in areas where both C. ligusticifolia and vitalba occur can find more information on identification here: https://nwwildflowers.com/compare/?source=WA&t=Clematis+ligusticifolia,+Clematis+vitalba
The Problem Here: With its hardy growing capabilities and prolific seed production, Old Man’s Beard can easily escape cultivation and disperse into the natural landscape. The vines engulf and smother trees and shrubs, and can damage structures. All parts of Old Man’s Beard are poisonous, with the sap causing minor skin irritation and the plant being toxic if consumed.
Clematis is very difficult to eliminate. In order to get ahead of this looming issue, Clematis has recently been designated as a high-priority species in our Early Detection, Rapid Response (EDRR) program. As such, Lincoln SWCD may be able to offer free chemical treatment for Old Man’s Beard. Please contact info@lincolnswcd.org for help in identification and determining if your property is eligible for this program.
Manual Control: To control the spread of Old Man’s Beard, dig out the seedlings and small plants with hand tools (making sure to remove the entire root) and cut the stems that grow up trees and on structures. Clematis can resprout from stems that touch the ground. If you compost the plant, lay a tarp or sheet of cardboard under the piles of stems to prevent root development.
Herbicides: Chemical control is a method of control that can be used if necessary. Apply herbicide to Old Man’s Beard when it is actively growing (late spring through early fall) and not when it is flowering. The flowers shield the foliage and make herbicide application less effective. Re-treating every year may be necessary for larger infestations.
Links to Information and Studies:
Partner Spotlight
Applications for 2026 Master Gardener Training are Open!
OSU Extension Service Master Gardeners™ are volunteer educators, neighbors and on-the-ground researchers! The training program is reflective of the participants’ needs for flexible learning and volunteer opportunities. If you would like to apply for the 2026 Master Gardener™ training to become a Certified OSU Extension Service Master Gardener™ Volunteer, you can do so here: https://beav.es/4xY
Please be sure to read the syllabus and schedule before submitting your application as it contains important information about training requirements and scheduling. We’ve found that many applicants are so excited about joining the program that they don’t fully consider the number of hours that are required during the Apprentice Training year (85+ hours between January 28 - October 31, 2026). It’s understandable - it’s an amazing program - but please think about what’s realistic given your own personal circumstances!
In addition, please note the following:
- You will need a desktop or laptop computer with internet access.
- You will need one of the following accounts to both register for and set up/log onto the Canvas platform where online lessons are housed: Google or Microsoft (Outlook, Live, Hotmail).
- The primary communication method for the 2026 Apprentice Training Program is email. There may be multiple emails each day/week, so you should be able to check email on a regular and timely basis.
Native Plant Sale 2026 Preorders Open December 16th
LSWCD’s annual Native Plant Sale preorders will open December 16th. Email info@lincolnswcd for a preorder form. We will have Western Red Cedar, Large Leaved Lupin, Dog Violet, Silk Tassel Bush, and many more! Unsure what to get that special loved one in your life? Grab a Native Plant Sale voucher today!