Whirly

There are some amazing seed heads around at this time of the year. This whirly one is from the UK's only native clematis, Clematis vitalba, also known as 'Traveller's Joy'.

Apparently, here's how it acquired its nickname:- It was John Gerard, the 16th century herbalist, who named this plant 'Traveller's Joy'. The plant is toxic and it causes blisters so mendicants of yore would apply it to their skin before begging in order to encourage sympathy and help. It is also known as Old Man's Beard, referring to the silvery, downy seed heads.