Old-man's-beard
Clematis ligusticifolia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Clematis ligusticifolia is a native climbing vine found across western North America, producing clusters of small white flowers from June through August. This drought-tolerant plant attracts bees and beetles while providing ornamental value with its feathery seed heads.
Old-man's-beard is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Old-man's-beard as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
120"–360" H × 60"–180" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
KS
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Old-man's beard is a vigorous native vine that produces masses of small white flowers in summer, followed by fluffy, silvery seed heads that give it its common name. This fast-growing climber can quickly cover fences, arbors, or other structures with its attractive foliage and blooms.
Growing Old-man's-beard
Grow Old-man's-beard in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 120 to 360 inches tall and spread 60 to 180 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Old-man's-beard takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely vigorous growth can appear uncontrolled
- Fluffy seed heads may look messy to some
- Large size requires constant management in formal settings
Wildlife value
The abundant summer flowers attract bees and beetles for nectar and pollen. The dense vine provides nesting sites and cover for birds.
Common questions
- When does Old-man's-beard bloom?
- Clematis ligusticifolia typically blooms from June through August, producing small white flowers in clusters.
- What pollinators visit Clematis ligusticifolia?
- This native clematis attracts bees and beetles, which help pollinate the small white flowers.
- Where is Old-man's-beard native?
- Clematis ligusticifolia is native to much of western North America, including Kansas and extending west to the Pacific Coast states.
- How does Old-man's-beard get its common name?
- The plant gets its common name from the feathery, beard-like seed heads that develop after flowering, creating a distinctive wispy appearance.
- Is Old-man's-beard toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Old-man's-beard is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Old-man's-beard toxic to cats?
- Yes. Old-man's-beard is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Old-man's-beard toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Old-man's-beard as toxic to livestock.
- Is Old-man's-beard HOA-friendly?
- Old-man's-beard takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Old-man's-beard and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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