Old Man’s Beard (Clematis vitabla),or OMB, is an invasive plant introduced to the Rangitīkei District in the early 1900s from Europe, where it spread from gardens where it originally grew. OMB is one of the most troublesome weeds around and is a serious threat to native flora and fauna throughout the district smothering New Zealand’s native bush.

Old Man’s Beard is a vigorous climber and eventually strangles and covers trees. It grows high up in the forest canopy, as high as 20m tall. When seeding, it’s fruits are distinctive white, fluffy clusters, and easy to spot. Its stems have distinctive stringy bark. OMB flowers between December and May, produces seeds between March and October and is deciduous, losing its leaves over winter. It’s important to note that some native species, such as Clematis paniculata or ‘Puawhananga’, are often mistaken for Old Man’s Beard, and we don’t want to disrupt these harmless plants. Young OMB plants can be identified by their five leaflets, whereas most native species only have three.

If you correctly identify Old Man’s Beard, here’s how you can help control it with the ‘cut and paste’ method. First, trace the vine back to the main stem, then cut the main stem as close to the ground as possible. Apply herbicide paste to the cut surface within 1 minute of cutting. Dispose of all vines so they don’t re-root. Although herbicides are effective, this weed is persistent and requires prolonged efforts if we are to gain control. Another complicating factor is that it has invaded areas where control negatively affects other species we’re trying to save. If you find Old Man’s Beard growing in your garden or at a park, please pull them out before the seeds develop.