- Wildlife
- Wildflowers
- Traveller's-joy
Hermann Falkner
About
Traveller's-joy is a climbing plant that scrabbles over bushes along hedgerows, woodland edges and scrubby grassland on limestone soils. This wild clematis produces a mass of scented flowers in late summer and is pollinated by bees and hoverflies. The seeds are also eaten by many birds such as Goldfinches and Greenfinches.
How to identify
Traveller's-joy can be recognised by its climbing nature and its clematis-like leaves. It has clusters of creamy flowers in July and August and feathery, wispy seedheads throughout the autumn and winter.
Where to find it
Common in southern and eastern England and parts of Wales.
Habitats
When to find it
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
How can people help
The loss of many of our hedgerows in the countryside mean that ornamental shrubs and hedges in our gardens provide vital food and shelter for a range of wildlife including butterflies, birds and small mammals. To encourage wildlife into your garden, try planting hedges of native species, including climbers like Traveller's-joy. To find out more about wildlife-friendly gardening, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there's plenty of facts and tips to get you started.