You may or may not believe it, but Poland is home to plants that are very clever climbers. The common ivy (Hedera helix) grows in forests all over Poland and is a true evergreen creeper. It can grow to be 20 to 30 m long, at a growth rate of 0.5 to 1 m per year. Its leaves are dark green with a leathery texture. Common ivy does not like dry or acidic soils, and grows best in shaded areas. It climbs with adventitious roots that sprout from the main ivy stalk, looking for surfaces to stick to.

Another example is the Old man’s beard (Clematis vitalba,) an expansive and long-lived climber that can live up to 40 years! It blooms annually between July and September, producing small white flowers gathered in panicles. Beautiful white fluffy plumes decorate the plant from autumn to spring, which resemble an old man’s beard

Warning! The climbing clematis is toxic to both humans and animals.

The Common hop (Humulus lupulus) is a vigorous perennial climber that likes to twine around various supports.

Hops are most often associated with beer, as its cones are indispensable for making this popular beverage.

A honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) is a type of woodland climber that blooms with sweet scented flowers. It can grow to be up to 5 meters long and it likes to twine around supports, such as tree trunks.

Warning! The fruits of a honeysuckle are poisonous!

Adventure seekers!

You’ve probably dreamed of being able to swing on vines like Tarzan. You could do that on lianas, which are climbers with woody stems, most commonly found in tropical forests. Unfortunately, they care not found in Poland. You can join in on a bit of the madness here in the Las Odkrywców. Try swinging on our mighty ropes and jumping on the nets. Great fun is guaranteed!