Clematis

- This is growing on a light post next door. Love the center of this flower - looks like a creature from the sea...


Not sure if this is true or not, but....

The ancient Romans believed that clematis rambling up the wall of their houses would protect that home from thunderstorms while the Germans believed the plant would attract lightning. But there's another, less attractive legend associated with the European plant. In France it's called Herbe au Gueux, because French beggars were said to crush the leaves into a fine dust which they then applied to their skin to raise ulcers, meant to generate compassion in the public. Hence today, in the language of flowers, clematis is a symbol of artifice.