A Little bit Moth Eaten

This Clematis Montana 'Elizabeth' is growing at our neighbours place so I didn't go far to get a shot in the very cold blustery wind. They say that snow was going to to fall to 500m today and then clear up this afternoon. At least the sun is shining after some rain over night.

Clematis Montana is an early flowering plant of the genus Clematis. It is a vigorous climbing plant and it great for hiding unsightly structures such as sheds and walls. It is native to mountain areas of Asia from Afghanistan to Taiwan.

Clematis is an herb. People use the parts that grow above the ground to make medicine. Despite serious safety concerns, clematis is used for joint pain (rheumatism), headaches, varicose veins, syphilis, gout, bone disorders, ongoing skin conditions, and fluid retention.

Some people apply clematis directly to the skin for blisters and in a wet dressing (as a poultice) to treat infected wounds and ulcers.

How does it work?

The crushed fresh clematis plant contains a chemical that causes skin and mucous membrane irritation. This chemical becomes less effective as the plant dries.
For more information on the Clematis uses in medicine.